Real Madrid hope Jude Bellingham friendship will convince Erling Haaland to leave Manchester City – Paper Round

Real Madrid hope Jude Bellingham’s friendship with Erling Haaland will “help lure” the Manchester City striker to the Spanish capital in the future, it has been claimed.

Bellingham and Haaland were team-mates at Borussia Dortmund before leaving for Madrid and Manchester respectively.

“The Spanish giants would love to sign Manchester City’s Norwegian goal sensation and know he has a dream of one day playing in Spain.

“Bellingham and Haaland remain good friends having played together at Borussia Dortmund for a couple of years until the forward left for the Etihad in summer 2022.

“And Madrid want to take advantage of that as they look to turn the head of City’s 23-year-old superstar.

“Haaland is believed to have release clauses in his contract at the Etihad although the exact nature of them has never been confirmed.

“City agreed to insert them after landing him for a knockdown price of £51.4million from Dortmund 18 months ago.

“Despite all the noise from Spain, the Treble winners are convinced Haaland is happy where he is after a sensational start to his career in England.”

Manchester City’s out-of-favour midfielder Kalvin Phillips is “very favourable” to a loan move to Barcelona – but West Ham reportedly lead the chase in acquiring his signature.

Phillips has also been linked with a move to Premier League clubs Crystal Palace and Newcastle as well as Italian giants Juventus and La Liga side Atletico Madrid – but reports suggest he is more likely to end up at London Stadium.

“Phillips is said to be aware of the club’s economic crisis and has delayed his decision on what club to move to as he ‘sees Barcelona option very favourably’, according to Spanish outlet Sport.

“The move can only be finalised if the Catalonian giants can secure the player on a free loan having only to pay for the transfer fees.

“However, Moyes’ Hammers are ready to splurge the cash in January which could turn Phillips’ head away from La Liga.

“West Ham’s hefty offer for the defensive midfielder can expect to convince Man City to send the Englishman to East London.

“Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are also reportedly interested in rivalling Xavi’s side.

“The only way for the midfielder to make a move to Camp Nou is for the club to complete the sale of 49 per cent of Barcelona Studios for £171million – £42million of which would be redirected to sign a new player.”

Joelinton could have played his last game for Newcastle “amid a contract stand off”, claims a report in the Mail.

The Brazilian midfielder suffered a thigh injury during the 3-0 win over Sunderland in the FA Cup earlier this month. The Mail claims he will miss the rest of the season and that he could be set to depart in the summer.

“Mail Sport understands the Brazilian will undergo surgery next week on the thigh injury he picked up during the FA Cup win at Sunderland this month, and that will keep him out for the rest of the season.

“However, Joelinton’s contract has only 18 months to run – he signed a six-year deal after arriving from Hoffenheim for £40million in 2019 – and his current wage demands are beyond what the club’s hierarchy are willing to pay. It would make him Newcastle’s highest earner.

“Eddie Howe is determined to keep the 27-year-old but, if no compromise is agreed, the Magpies will be forced to sell the player in the next transfer window, rather than risk him leaving for free at the end of next season. As it stands, the two parties remain far apart on numbers.

There is a chance Joelinton’s injury could sway his thinking and he will agree to Newcastle’s offer, which is said to be fair, but those conversations are yet to be had.”