Napoli ‘expect Man United to complete the signing of RB Salzburg wonderkid Erling Haaland in January’ after Italian club pull out of race to sign teenager
- Napoli have pulled out of the race to sign RB Salzburg star Erling Haaland
- The Italian club ‘expect Manchester United to buy the Norwegian in January’
- Haaland, 19, worked under United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when at Molde
- He has a prolific scoring record for the Austrian club RB Salzburg
- United will look to strengthen their attacking options in the January window
Napoli ‘are expecting Manchester United to complete the signing of RB Salzburg wonderkid Erling Haaland in January’ as the Italian club pulled out of the race for his signature.
The 19-year-old striker has been in sensational form this season, scoring 21 goals in 14 matches for the Austrian club, including six goals in three Champions League group matches.
He previously played under United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Norwegian side Molde and could link up with him again at Old Trafford.
Napoli ‘expect Manchester United to complete the signing of RB Salzburg striker Erling Haaland in January’ and have pulled out of the race to buy him
The Norwegian scored twice in Napoli’s meeting with Salzburg in the Champions League
According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Napoli have withdrawn from the race to sign Haaland, believing they don’t have the financial might to compete with United.
Napoli scout Loris Boni is quoted as saying: ‘Definitely in a great club. Salzburg, an excellent team, can only be a springboard for someone like him.
‘If, then, his compatriot Solskjaer remains as coach at Manchester United, I think he can go there.
‘Solskjaer was also the one who gave him his debut at Molde, as he coached the club at the time.’
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will look to strengthen his front line in January
Haaland played under Solskjaer for Norwegian club Molde before joining RB Salzburg
It’s no secret that United are in need of additional firepower having allowed Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez to move to Inter Milan over the summer without replacing them.
Injuries to Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in the early part of the season stretched United’s attacking options though their form has improved since both returned to action.
Beyond Rashford and Martial, United’s only recognised forward is teenager Mason Greenwood, hence the likely pursuit of Haaland or other targets in January.
Haaland caught the attention of a wider European audience when he scored a hat-trick in Salzburg’s 6-2 win over Genk in their opening Champions League fixture.
Napoli also saw first-hand how devastating Haaland can be after he scored twice in their 3-2 win in Austria during the last matchday.
