Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ‘desperate’ to sign Erling Braut Haaland

Haaland bid

An offer for Norwegian striker Erling Braut Haaland will be tabled by Manchester United in January, writes the Daily Express, with the paper claiming that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is “desperate for a deal”.

The United boss has long harboured a soft spot for his compatriot, whom he first saw in action during his time running Molde, and he’s tracked his protege’s progress ever since.

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Haaland has developed into a world-class striker at Red Bull Salzburg and according to the Express he is a “top target” in the new year transfer window.

But Haaland won’t come cheap with the Austrian side aware that United aren’t the only club interested in signing the 19-year-old ace.

The Express, citing Italian publication Calciomercato, says United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has sanctioned the move and is “prepared to offer £55m for the sought-after teenager”.

On Wednesday night Haaland scored for Salzburg in their 4-1 Champions League group E win in Genk. He now has 27 goals in 19 games this season.

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Salisu in United’s sights

Man Utd are also considering a January offer for Real Valladolid defender Mohammed Salisu.

The 20-year-old has been a rock for the Spanish side this season, and Red Devils boss Solskjaer believes that Salisu can strengthen the sinews of his suspect defence.

The young blocker has a £10m release clause in his contract, a modest amount that The Sun says is another reason for the interest within the Old Trafford hierarchy.

The paper claims that United’s scouts have “extensively reported on the Ghanaian” this year, and while Solskjaer would love to sign Salisu in January he knows he might have to wait until the summer with Real Valladolid unlikely to let him leave mid-season.

Everton, Newcastle, Southampton and Norwich City are also reportedly tailing the youngster, but reports from Spain suggest that the fact that Salisu’s agent is the father of United playmaker Juan Mata “could help the club in tempting the defender”.

Shaw’s future in doubt

The Daily Mirror suggests that Luke Shaw’s Man Utd future is in doubt with the left-back in danger of being “frozen out” by Solskjaer.

Shaw has been sidelined with injury since August and in that time Brandon Williams has emerged onto the scene.

Solskjaer has told Shaw that Williams is now ahead of him in the United pecking order, and the Mirror believes the England international could head to the exit in January with Newcastle one of the clubs interested.

Today’s back pages

Liverpool on red alert as Champions League holders waste chance to qualify for last 16

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