Ralf Rangnick once signed Erling Haaland, and he’ll do it again…
FIX-IT RALF
Manchester United believe the imminent arrival of Ralf Rangnick gives them the edge in the race to sign Erling Haaland in the summer.
Haaland looks set to leave Borussia Dortmund when his £63million release clause comes into effect.
A number of top European clubs are likely to be sniffing around, but the £250million package agent Mino Raiola wants for his client looks set to put some suitors off.
United are one of a few clubs with the financial clout to bid for Haaland and they now believe Rangnick joining the club gives them an added advantage.
Rangnick is set to become United’s interim manager this week once work permit issues are resolved, and will then take up a consultancy role at the club when a permanent manager is hired in the summer.
And that is when the Mirror claim Rangnick will look to exploit his relationship with Erling Haaland, and his father, Alfie.
While in his role as sporting director of Red Bull’s two European sides, Rangnick persuaded Haaland to join RB Salzburg
Rangnick convinced Haaland to join Salzburg from Molde in January 2019, before he was sold to Dortmund a year later for £18million.
COU-TOON-HO
Former Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho has apparently changed his mind over a potential move to Newcastle.
Coutinho has endured a tough time at Barcelona since joining from Liverpool in 2018, but Xavi’s arrival as manager led to suggestions the Brazilian would be prepared to stay at the Nou Camp and fight for his place.
But El Nacional (via Caughtoffside) claim he’s already U-turned – he’s ‘not happy with Xavi’s plans for him at all’ and will consider a move to Newcastle after all.
Newcatle are known to be admirers 29-year-old as their new Saudi owners target a marquee January signing.
TARKOWKSI TO WEST HAM
David Moyes remains keen on luring Burnley defender James Tarkowski to West Ham.
The Sun claims the Hammers boss will make a final bid to sign Tarkowski for around £7million.
The centre-back’s contract is up at the end of the season, meaning he will be available for free in the summer if he doesn’t sign a new contract with the Clarets or is sold in January.
Newcastle are also thought to be interested in the England international and could enter a January cut-price bidding war.
AND THE REST
Fiorentina put £55m price tag on Vlahovic… Lacazette’s agents considering options… Madrid go off Pogba… PSG not open to Poch move mid-season… Arsenal and Spurs in for Kulusevski.