Transfer: Real Madrid want Haaland to replace Benzema in two years

Manchester City striker, Erling Haaland, has become Real Madrid’s top priority to replace Karim Benzema in 2024, according to Sky Sports Germany.

The 22-year-old has been in exceptional form for the Premier League champions this season.

But the report indicates that the LaLiga champions will wait before making their move for him, aiming to utilise a €200 million release clause that will become active in 2024. City manager Pep Guardiola, however, denies that such a clause in Haaland’s contract exists.

Benzema has enjoyed a bright start to the 2022-23 campaign and, after signing new terms at the Santiago Bernabeu last season, talks are ongoing for the France international to extend his stay in Spain’s top flight for another year.

Until then, it looks as though Carlo Ancelotti’s side will be keeping a close eye on the Norway international unless any other clear targets emerge, with interest in a move for Kylian Mbappe seemingly to have cooled since he signed an extension with Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.