Manchester City have held secret transfer talks with Erling Haaland as they look to ramp up their efforts to sign the striker this summer. However, Barcelona have represented an unlikely rival to Pep Guardiola’s riches.

City transfer chief Txiki Begiristain met with Mino Raiola to discuss the signing of Haaland in a secret meeting last month, reports suggest.

There are numerous sides in Europe contesting for the Borussia Dortmund star’s signature ahead of the transfer window this summer.

That includes Barcelona, who have close ties with Raiola and have made their own effort to trying to sign the 21—year-old.

The Norway international is hot property ahead of the summer, when a release clause worth £68million will come into effect.

That is a relative bargain considering Haaland’s standing in the sport already with many tipping the striker to go on to become one of the best in the world.