Erling Haaland to become best-paid player in Premier League?

Manchester City are reportedly preparing to open discussions with Erling Haaland over a new contract which would make him the highest-paid player in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old has scored 58 goals and registered 10 assists in 59 appearances for Man City since making a high-profile move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2022.

Haaland was key to Man City's treble success last season, scoring 52 goals and providing nine assists in 53 appearances in all competitions.

The Norway international has also been in strong form this season, scoring six times in six appearances, including a hat-trick against Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Haaland has another four years left to run on his contract, but there is ongoing speculation surrounding a potential move to Real Madrid.

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Real Madrid are said to be long-term admirers of the forward and are keen to eventually pair him with Kylian Mbappe in what would be a star-studded attack at Bernabeu.

There are also concerns whether Haaland is planning to stay with Man City for the duration of his contract, with the Norwegian believed to be determined to test himself in all of the major leagues.

According to The Sun, Man City are desperate to keep hold of the striker on a long-term basis and are planning to open talks with his representatives over a lucrative deal.

The report claims that Haaland could be offered a basic package of £550,000 a week, which would take him above teammate Kevin De Bruyne in terms of the earning stakes.

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Haaland's agent Rafaela Pimenta said that the forward's 'destiny is in his own hands' when asked about a possible move to Real Madrid.

"The open door can mean a lot of things," Pimenta told El Chiringuito. "Our players can have the feeling that they have their destiny in their hands."

There had previously been suggestions that a £150m release clause existed in the striker's contract, although it was then claimed that the buy-out fee would only be available if head coach Pep Guardiola did not renew his own deal.

Man City have won all four of their Premier League matches at the start of the new season, in addition to beating Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup in the middle of August.

Guardiola's side will now not be back in action until September 16 at home to an in-form West Ham United.