Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has made a major declaration on Erling Haaland's future amid speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid.
Recent reports in Spain have suggested that the Norwegian striker is unhappy with life in Manchester, with it being claimed he would favour a move to the LALIGA giants, believing that it could enhance his chance of winning top individual prizes such as the Ballon d'Or.
Read: Nigeria boss: There is one thing we need to do better...
Guardiola, however, has rubbished talk that his star striker, whose current contract is scheduled to end in 2027 only, is set for a move away from the Etihad.
"For one report, for one journalist or one Twitter account, one Instagram account, do you think they are going to change something that is going to happen? It's not going to happen," the Citizens boss said ahead of his side's Premier League clash against Brentford on Monday night, per Yahoo! Sports.
"It's going to happen when Erling decides to extend the contract or not, when the club decides to extend a contract or not, or when we have potential offers to him or not.
"If someone wants Erling, it's easy. Call Man City and ask. It's what we do when we want to sign someone. It's not more complicated than that."
The Spanish tactician confirmed that the Sky Blues want the 23-year-old to remain at the club for a long time to come, but also admitted to being uncertain of what the future holds.
"We want him – for a long, long time at this club. For a long time. We are in love with him, we want him," he added.
"I don't have info. He arrived last season and the impact was incredible. The beginning of this season, the numbers were really good too. He's had two months injured.
"What happens in the future? Honestly, I don't know. We are happy to have him, hopefully he's happy to be with us. That is what we know. And the rest? I don't know."
Read: Names for vacant Egypt job 'proposed', Broos included!
The three-time UEFA Champions League winner went on to state that one of his players being linked with another big club is a good indicator of how well the star is doing.
He neither confirmed nor denied Haaland's links to Real Madrid, but added that this is not important as long as he is doing what is required of him.
"It's normal that Real Madrid want the best players, and Barcelona want the best players, or (clubs) in Italy, or PSG want the best players," Guardiola continued.
"We want the best players and United want the best players, and Liverpool and Arsenal and everyone. It's normal, it's not a surprise.
"A link like that is an honour for us. It means that we did a good job, and especially Erling. In his case, he made an incredible job.
"Is it true? I don't know. It's just to make a little bit of noise. It's fine. Of course, I ignore it. It doesn't bother me at all.
"As long as the players are focused on what they have to do, the rest is not important."
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH:
