Erling Haaland, City’s leading scorer, is not causing concern at the club despite rumors of a possible transfer to Real Madrid, where his release clause might be around £85 million. Haaland, who has been outstanding since joining City 18 months ago, is a major target for Madrid, along with Kylian Mbappe from PSG. Reports from SunSport in September indicated that City plans to offer Haaland a new contract to make him the highest-paid player in the Premier League. 

Since joining City on a five-year deal in 2022, the 23-year-old Haaland has scored an impressive 71 goals, becoming one of the most sought-after players globally. Although he owns a property in Spain and has expressed a desire to play there someday, City hopes to keep him for several more years. 

Haaland has been sidelined with a foot injury since December 6 but resumed training last week. While he may not be fit for the upcoming Newcastle match, Pep Guardiola expects him to be back by the end of January. 

City, who recently won the Club World Cup, are set to face Tottenham in the FA Cup fourth round and will play against Vincent Kompany’s Burnley at the Etihad on January 31. The team is currently third in the Premier League, trailing Liverpool by five points but with a game in hand.