Dortmund 'set £154m price tag for star striker Erling Haaland this summer'

Borussia Dortmund have reportedly set a staggering £154m asking price for Erling Haaland this summer as they look to thwart attempts to sign their star striker.

The Norwegian forward has been sensational since arriving at Dortmund from RB Salzburg last January, scoring 49 goals in as many games, including 10 in six Champions League matches.

With Dortmund struggling to qualify for next season's Champions League, the likes of Manchester United, City, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona are all on red alert this summer but ESPN report that Dortmund have set a premium of £154m (€180m) for the 20-year-old, a year before a £65m release clause kicks in.

The report details that the expensive price-tag is designed to ward off Europe's biggest clubs, in a similar stance taken with Jadon Sancho and Manchester United's pursuit of him last summer.

Nevertheless, Man City are seen as the favourites in terms of being able to match Dortmund's asking price.

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a known admirer of his compatriot, but he did note recently that the club need to be 'realistic' with transfers this summer amid a decrease in revenue this season, largely as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Chelsea believed they could tempt Dortmund into a deal this summer, the report notes, but this was before the Bundesliga club's astonishing asking price.

Barcelona's new president Joan Laporta has spoken about Haaland being the cornerstone of a new era at the Camp Nou, but the club are currently in a dire financial situation.

Dortmund are struggling in the Bundesliga this season despite Haaland's brilliance, with the club in a battle to qualify for the Champions League next season under interim coach Edin Terzic.