Man City are in talks with Erling Haaland over a huge contract extension worth up to £500,000 per week, according to a report.
The club are increasingly confident that the Norwegian will put pen to paper on a deal that would make him the highest-paid player in the Premier League, overtaking his teammate Kevin De Bruyne, who currently pockets £400,000.
Recent negotiations between City and Haaland have reportedly been positive. In addition to the proposed wage increase, the deal could see the striker extend his stay in Manchester by two years.
His current contract runs until 2027, but City want to keep him longer, when he turns 28 and begins his prime as a striker.
However, The Mirror reports that there is still one obstacle standing in the Premier League's top scorer's way to a new contract.
Similar to the terms of his deal at Borussia Dortmund, Haaland wants to keep a release clause in his contract, which would allow him to leave if a club is willing to pay his high transfer fee.
He currently has a £150 million option in his contract, meaning City must accept any offer matching this price.
The club want to remove this clause or at least significantly increase it, possibly to £200 million – which is reportedly a major point of contention for Haaland.
The 22-year-old would prefer to keep open the possibility of him moving to another club, especially amid rumors that the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested in his talents.
Currently, Haaland's advisors – his father and Brazilian super agent Rafaela Pimenta – remain stubborn on the issue.
Having a release clause in his contract with Dortmund made his successful move to City possible. Denying him the opportunity to take another step up in his career is a non-option for Haaland.
This dilemma is especially relevant amid the intense speculation surrounding Pep Guardiola's future.
The city boss's contract expires next summer and there are no concrete indications that he will extend his stay.
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