Real Madrid receive boost in pursuit of Manchester City star Erling Haaland: Reports

Manchester City talisman Erling Haaland is reportedly close to signing a contract extension with the reigning Premier League champions. The Norwegian forward's current contract expires in 2027.

According to a report by Spanish publication 'Marca', the contract will make Haaland the highest-paid player in the Premier League through his basic salary. City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne currently holds the title as he reportedly earns £425,000 a week as opposed to the 24-year-old's basic salary of £375,000 each week.

According to Mail Sport, the 24-year-old's bonuses see his weekly wage surge beyond the £850,000 mark.

The contract will also contain a release clause, giving the former Borussia Dortmund forward more control over his future at the club. Furthermore, this hands a boost to clubs like Real Madrid who have been previously linked with the Norwegian.

However, with Kylian Mbappé arriving at Santiago Bernabeu, Haaland is not necessarily a priority for the Los Blancos. But a release clause may allow them to sign the Norwegian in the future should both parties agree on a transfer.

Manchester City did something similar when they signed Haaland from Dortmund for a reported fee of £51million.

The Cityzens have won their first three games of the season and sit atop the Premier League table. They take on Brentford on September 14 after the international break.

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What is Erling Haaland's record this season as Manchester City sit atop the PL table?

The star Norwegian has scored seven out of nine goals scored by Man City this season. The 24-year-old already has two Premier League hat-tricks to his name.

Haaland scored a hat-trick against Ipswich Town and very recently against West Ham United. It was also the second time that the Norwegian scored consecutive hat-tricks.

In his first season, he opened his hat-trick account against Crystal Palace before following it up with another hat-trick four days later against Nottingham Forest. Only three players, Robbie Fowler, Alan Shearer, and Sergio Aguero are ahead of the 24-year-old in terms of the number of hat-tricks scored in the Premier League.

The former City man has 12 hat-tricks to his name in 275 appearances, Shearer has 11 in 441 games, while Fowler has registered nine in 379 appearances in the Premier League. Haaland has already managed eight in 69 appearances.

Haaland has 97 goals in 102 appearances for Manchester City. He has also won the Premier League twice, the Champions League and FA Cup during his two seasons at the club.