Real Madrid reportedly opted against signing Erling Braut Haaland because they did not want a release clause to be present in his contract.
After months of speculation, the transfer saga involving the Norway international was finally brought to an end on Tuesday as Manchester City announced that they had agreed a deal with Borussia Dortmund for the in-demand forward.
While the 21-year-old has been tipped to move to the Etihad Stadium for some time, Real Madrid were also regarded as a potential destination at one stage.
However, according to Cadena Ser, Los Blancos president Florentino Perez had no interest in inserting an affordable release clause in the terms of his deal.
The report claims that the late Mino Raiola wanted other clubs to have the option of signing Haaland for €150m (£128.4m) in just the second year of his contract.
Although it represented a chance for Real to double their money in the short term, the La Liga side ultimately shunned the opportunity, freeing up City to finalise the transfer.
Darren Plant
