Guardiola denies rumours of Haaland's Real Madrid clause

KARACHI: Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola denied rumours that Erling Haaland's contract has a specific release clause allowing him to join Real Madrid in 2024.

Guardiola rejected rumours that Madrid had engineered an exclusive deal to sign the 22-year-old Norwegian striker after he continued his excellent start at City by scoring twice against Copenhagen in the Champions League.

"It's not true. He has not got a release clause for Real Madrid or any other team," Guardiola said.

"Am I annoyed by the rumours? No, absolutely not. Rumours, and people talking, you cannot control it - so always we have to worry about what we can control.

"The important thing is that he has adapted [since joining City] really well. I have the feeling he is incredibly happy here, and this is the most important thing."

Given Haaland's incredible run for City – he has now scored 19 goals in his first 12 games since signing from Borussia Dortmund in the summer – it is hardly unexpected to see him connected with the Spanish giants.

Even teammate Jack Grealish was taken aback by Haaland's performance in Wednesday's lopsided 5-0 victory over the Danish club. It was the latest example of his incredible scoring prowess.