Manchester City reportedly feel that Real Madrid are regarded as the favourites to complete a deal for Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Braut Haaland.
With the Norway international's release clause becoming active in the summer, Dortmund are expected to receive multiple offers for their star man.
Some reports have suggested that Man City are the frontrunners for the 21-year-old at a time when the Premier League champions are considering whether to sign a new high-profile frontman.
However, according to reports in Spain, the English side think that Real Madrid are better placed to get a transfer over the line, despite Los Blancos said to prefer a 2023 agreement.
While Barcelona are also said to be involved in the race, it has been claimed that they are behind City and Real in the race for Haaland's signature.
Last week, there was the suggestion that Haaland would make his final decision sooner rather than later as he prepares for the next phase of his career.
Darren Plant
