Three other strikers Man City could sign after Erling Haaland blow

Manchester City appear to be out of the race to sign Erling Haaland in the summer transfer window, as well as Manchester United, with Real Madrid ahead in the race for the Borussia Dortmund ace

Posted Saturday, January 08, 2022 by Dailystar.co.uk

Erling Haaland has told those closest to him that he has made a decision over his future ahead of the summer transfer window, as revealed by the Daily Star.

And it does not spell good news for Manchester City or Manchester United after he made Spain his next destination.

Real Madrid or Barcelona are now in the lead to sign the Borussia Dortmund star, while the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also set to be scorned.

That leaves Pep Guardiola in a difficult situation having made the 21-year-old his top transfer target as he makes a striker his top priority.

So, who could City sign instead?

Harry Kane

City were desperate to sign Kane in the summer and the feeling was mutual after the Tottenham star went on strike to try push through a move.

Daniel Levy stuck to his guns and denied Guardiola his transfer wish but another window of speculation might even be too much for the Spurs chief.

Kane has been nowhere near his firing best in front of goal with the speculation having an effect while he will turn 29 in July.

Nevertheless, having the England captain up front would be a major boost for City - who would likely dominate the Premier League with him leading the line.

Joao Felix

If it is a Sergio Aguero replacement that Guardiola wants, why not go to the club where they signed the Argentine from in the first place.

The Atletico Madrid star has hardly lived up to his £120m price tag but there is no denying the talent the Portugal international has.

While scoring goals in La Liga has proved tough for the 22-year-old, Felix’s link-up play might interest Guardiola more than anything.

The former Benfica ace is also able to operate across the entire frontline, another key attribute in the Catalan coach’s City set-up.

Dusan Vlahovic

What do you do when you miss out on the 21-year-old hotshot everyone is talking about? Go after the next 21-year-old hotshot everyone is talking about.

Fiorentina star Vlahovic has been in jaw-dropping form for the Viola this campaign after exploding onto the scene and has scored 18 in all competitions this season - just one less than Haaland.

The Serie A club are set to sell this summer with the striker informing him that he has no intention of renewing his contract - which expires in 18 months.

Arsenal are desperate to sign the youngster but City could offer more in wages and European football, while also leaving a telling blow on the Gunners.