Real Madrid is the preferred destination for Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Braut Haaland this summer, according to journalist Josep Pedrerol.
The Norway international is one of the hottest properties on the market after notching up 33 goals in 31 games this season, with several top clubs on the continent expected to battle for his signature this summer.
Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Barcelona have all been credited with an interest, but Pedrerol believes that Florentino Perez's close relationship with Dortmund will work in Real Madrid's favour this summer.
Speaking to El Chiringuito, Pedrerol said: "In Dortmund, they know that Haaland wants to play at Real Madrid. If Real Madrid want to sign him this year then they have to pay whatever Dortmund ask for.
"Real Madrid have an advantage compared to the others and that's the good relationship Florentino Perez has with the Dortmund hierarchy. So, if Dortmund decide to sell Haaland then Florentino Perez will be the first to know.
"If there is a big offer from Manchester City or Barcelona then Perez will be the first to know. So Real Madrid are better-placed than Barcelona or Manchester City.
"Now, it depends on if Dortmund have problems in terms of being able to sell him now. If Dortmund don't make it into the Champions League then they can't justify the sale of their star. They wouldn't be able to justify to their fans the idea of being out of Europe and losing Haaland."
Haaland could be available for a figure of £65m in 2022 due to his release clause, but if Dortmund were to let him go this summer, they would reportedly demand a sum of £154m for the 20-year-old.
Ben Knapton
