Real Madrid have caused Manchester City some headaches in the past.

The Spanish giants knocked the Citizens out of the UEFA Champions League last season – as they also did in the 2023/24 campaign as well as the 2021/22 season – and are now targeting some of the best at the Etihad Stadium.

Real Madrid are hoping to sign Rodri for Xabi Alonso – according to Mundo Deportivo – but the Spain international is not the only Manchester City player wanted by those at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid dream of signing Erling Haaland, and route to a deal is potentially on

Cadena SER in Spain now state that Real Madrid’s stuttering contract talks with Vinicius Junior could open the door for a deal involving Erling Haaland.

The Spanish news outlet explain that the Brazil international wants to be paid the same as Kylian Mbappe in order to sign a new contract. The France international is thought to make £520,708-a-week at Real Madrid.

Cadena SER claim that Real Madrid will hold talks with Vinicius in an attempt to agree a lower salary, but should the South American hold firm, Florentino Perez will look to sell him ahead of his contract expiring in June 2027.

That is where Haaland comes into it.

Real Madrid have previously received a bid of €200m (£175m) from the Saudi Pro League for Vinicius, and it is said that, should a similar offer arrive, it could be a ‘gateway’ for Perez to realise his dream of pairing Mbappe alongside the Norway international.

Erling Haaland allegedly has a Manchester City escape route

Haaland – who Barcelona once considered – emphatically committed his future to Manchester City back in January, signing a contract until 2034 which includes no release clause.

However, a report from AS confidently states that the Norwegian ensured he left the door open to Real Madrid when negotiating his deal

The Spanish news outlet claim Haaland is allowed to leave Manchester City at the halfway point of his nine-and-a-half year contract extension should a significant offer arrive.

Therefore, the situation could become quite interesting if Real Madrid end up receiving close to £200m for Vinicius.