Man Utd, Man City encouraged as Haaland buyout clause could be active in January

Erling Haaland could leave Borussia Dortmund in January with a reduced buyout clause to be enabled in the New Year.

The £64million clause in his contract was understood to become active next summer, but that may no longer be the case, says Marca.

That could set off a bidding war, with Premier League giants Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea keen to swoop for the star striker, who is one of the hottest properties in Europe.

Several European heavyweights, including Spanish pair Real Madrid and Barcelona, were linked with transfer interest this summer, but were put off by the German side’s reported asking price of around £150million.

However, it is possible clubs have held off on bidding for him, given the prospect of the clause becoming active earlier than expected.

Haaland, just 21, has scored 62 goals in 63 appearances in all competitions for Dortmund.