Erling Haaland subject to phone calls ‘almost every week’ in shocking Real Madrid transfer tactic

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is subject to weekly phone calls from Jude Bellingham, as part of a fresh Real Madrid transfer approach.

The 23-year-old, who currently remains sidelined due to a foot injury, continues to be linked with a potential move away from the Etihad Stadium next summer, amid claims that a release clause within the striker’s contract could become active.

Haaland moved to Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, with Pep Guardiola’s side successfully winning a fierce battle for the player’s signature and tying the Norwegian down to an initial five-year contract.

The striker scored 52 goals in 53 appearances for Manchester City last season, helping the club to an historic treble during his maiden campaign at the Etihad Stadium.

Haaland currently jointly-leads the Premier League Golden Boot race with 14 goals already this season, although the 23-year-old has been absent since a defeat to Aston Villa at the start of December.

Manchester City are expected to imminently begin fresh contract talks with Haaland, as the treble-winners seek to reward the striker for an incredible start to life in England.

A new deal could also cool renewed interest from La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid, who continue their search to replace Karim Benzema, and risk missing out on signing PSG and France star Kylian Mbappe.

Sport Witness relay claims from journalist Manu Carreno, who reports that Real Madrid have started trying to persuade Haaland to move to the Santiago Bernabeu through phone calls by midfielder Jude Bellingham.

The journalist explains: “[Jude] Bellingham calls him, and he tells him to come to Real Madrid. They already met at Dortmund, and it seems that Haaland doesn’t like Manchester very much.”

“What I get is that Bellingham and Haaland are speaking almost every week.”

Haaland and Bellingham are former teammates at Borussia Dortmund, with Manchester City having attempted to bring the latter to the Etihad Stadium last summer as a replacement for Ilkay Gundogan.

The England international has enjoyed an impressive start to life in Madrid, being directly involved in 15 goals in 17 La Liga appearances.