Manchester United will reportedly still prioritise signing Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland next summer despite bringing Cristiano Ronaldo to the club in a shock move.

What's the story?

The Red Devils were one of several clubs widely tipped to make a move for the highly-rated 21-year-old in 12 months' time when a €75 million (£64m) release clause becomes active in his contract.

However, United's sizeable financial outlay on Ronaldo raised concerns over their ability to bring Haaland to Old Trafford, but ESPN claim the English giants will have no such issues.

"Although the deal to sign Ronaldo was financed outside of United's original summer transfer budget, sources have told ESPN it will not impact next year's recruitment plans and the ongoing effort to win the race for Haaland," the report read.

Manchester United fans will be delighted

News that United are still planning on securing the Norway international's signature will leave the club's supporters feeling delighted.

Although the arrival of Ronaldo on a short-term deal significantly strengthens the 20-time English champions, the 36-year-old is deep into the twilight of his career and isn't a long-term solution to their striker woes.

Haaland, on the other hand, is at the opposite end of his career. Despite his tender years, the youngster has bagged an incredible 63 goals in just 64 games for Dortmund, providing a further 18 assists for his teammates.

Winning the DFB-Pokal last season was reward for his incredible efforts at the Signal Iduna Park, and his potential arrival in the red half of Manchester would see Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's charges forward line rival any in world football.

ESPN also state that Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are interested in snapping up Haaland, although United may be confident of pipping their rivals to the Scandinavian beast.

Solskjaer was Haaland’s manager during his stint at Molde, and the pair are believed to have a good relationship. Only a few months ago, Solskjaer admitted he still talks to his compatriot, and the Red Devils boss would surely love to be reunited with the Dortmund ace one again.

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