Top European clubs are chasing Red Bull Salzburg’s Erling Braut Håland after his explosive start to the season that has produced 22 goals and five assists in 16 appearances.
Six of those goals have come in the Champions League and the striker is currently the top scorer in the competition.
Manchester United are one of the clubs heavily linked with the 19-year-old and the number of reports has only increased in the past two months.
Last week, The Guardian reported United, along with Juventus head a queue of 20 clubs chasing the Norway international, but Salzburg sporting director Christoph Freund was quick to deny receiving any offers for the player’s transfer in January.
Freund has once again spoken to Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung and explained how the recent rumours linking him to the Old Trafford club and other European sides have had no bearing on the player.
“He’s a cool guy and he’s very good with it. The rumours do not burden [him]. I think it’s more of an appreciation. This is great for the player and for the club,” Freund said.
The Salzburg chief has also backed the frontman to have an ‘extraordinary’ career, if he manages to avoid serious injuries.
“We are happy with the development he has made in such a short time. It is extraordinary for such a young player to have such statistics at the age of 19 and to have a positive spirit as well. If he does not hurt himself, he will make an extraordinary career,” he added.
Freund is aware Salzburg will not be able to keep their prized asset for a long period of time. He adds: “We also know about the mechanisms of football.”
Håland played under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Molde and the former’s father, Alf-Inge Håland earlier explained the Red Devils manager had faith in the youngster which helped his progress.
