Amid the speculations that Erling Haaland's signing up with Manchester United is a done deal, a possibility emerged that the Red Devils could lose the chance to acquire the Norwegian striker. Or the teenager could still come to Old Trafford, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will need to allow the rumored transfer of Paul Pogba.
These complications were said to be the workings of one man named Mino Raiola, who is the same agent representing the Red Bull Salzburg player and the French national.
Metro said that while preliminary talks have been conducted between United and representatives of Haaland, the English club could still lose out to a rival club suitor. While several European teams are linked to Haaland's supposed transfer move next year, Juventus could end up as the 19-year-old's next destination.
The same report suggested that Raiola's past relationship with the Italian club could figure prominently on Haaland's decision of where to play next. If the agent would persuade the youngster to set his sight on Italy, there is no assurance on United's part that the recent discussions with the sensational player will still matter.
Another concern for the Red Devils is the reported active push by Juve executives to bring the rising Norwegian to the Old Lady's dugout, and on this task, it wouldn't be impossible that they employ Raiola's help.
In another whispered scenario, Raiola is again part of the narrative that supposedly will see him arrange the arrival of Haaland to Old Trafford but not before demanding the release of Pogba.
"Raiola will help persuade Haaland to join the club, with his previous working with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Molde a huge selling point, but with the agreement that the France World Cup winner can depart," the report from Mirror said.
The claim is in line with the persisting rumors that the France international has been planning an exit from United and could use the Haaland transfer deal to open the escape door for him. The fear was that Pogba could ask his agent to apply the pressure on United to permit his transfer, preferably to Real Madrid.
Talks have been widespread that the midfielder has been looking forward to wearing a new jersey but not because his relationship with his teammates and Solskjaer has soured. Pogba is said to be convinced that his chance of achieving success will be greater playing with a different club.
Also, Pogba is thought to be wanting to win the Ballon d'Or award and is of the belief he can do so playing on the side of Spanish giants like Real and Barcelona. And it looks like Raiola is finding ways to make Pogba's dream come true.
