Manchester United and Real Madrid have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Erling Braut Haaland as the Borussia Dortmund striker's release clause reportedly cannot be triggered until 2022.
The Norway international is one of the hottest properties in world football ahead of this summer's transfer window after netting 41 goals for Red Bull Salzburg and Dortmund this season.
Haaland only arrived at the Westfalenstadion in January, but United and Madrid have been tipped to make a fresh approach for the 19-year-old at the end of the campaign.
However, those plans may now change as the Evening Standard claims that Haaland's €75m (£67.16m) release clause does not kick in for another two years.
Dortmund are under no pressure to sell, meaning that it will likely take a nine-figure sum to prise Haaland away from the club this summer.
Meanwhile, United and Madrid are also believed to be locked in a transfer tussle for fellow BVB star Jadon Sancho.
Daniel Lewis
