Real Madrid identify Erling Haaland’s Manchester City teammate as ‘heir’ to current superstar

Manchester City could be subject to transfer interest from Real Madrid in the coming seasons, but not regarding Erling Haaland, a new report has detailed.

That concerns Argentina star Julián Álvarez, who has gone from strength to strength since signing for Manchester City from River Plate last year for a transfer fee understood to be in the region of £14 million.

Since then, Álvarez has not only impressed those connected with Manchester City, but also put on a show at the FIFA World Cup, starring alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria to take home football’s greatest honour.

However, the Argentina international is being somewhat restricted when it comes to game time by the outstanding Erling Haaland – who has now notched 50 goals across all competitions under Pep Guardiola this season.

That is a situation that potential suitors may look to take advantage of, despite Julián Álvarez recently signing a further extension to his already lengthy Manchester City contract – keeping him at the club until 2028 at the earliest.

According to the information of Fichajes.net, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Real Madrid have identified Manchester City striker Julián Álvarez as the target to become Karim Benzema’s ‘heir’ at the club.

As a direct of his form for both Manchester City and Argentina at the recent World Cup in Qatar, Real Madrid officials have been convinced to ‘go all out’ to sign the former River Plate icon.

However, and perhaps unsurprisingly given the player’s contractual situation and recent performances, Manchester City do not plan to part ways with the 23 year-old – making any such deal very difficult.

Nevertheless, it is stated that the La Liga giants are ‘willing to do what is necessary’ to secure Álvarez’s services. Fichajes.net report that Real Madrid are ‘prepared to make an attractive offer’ to the striker.

Manchester City and Real Madrid are likely to go head-to-head for the signing of Jude Bellingham this summer, as both European clubs compete for the signature of the England international in a deal that could vastly exceed €120 million.

That transfer battle will also follow a meeting in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals this month, as the European heavyweights clash for a place in the showpiece Istanbul final where one of Inter Milan or AC Milan will await them.