Red Bull Salzburg have denied that RB Leipzig have the first option on signing striker Erling Haaland. Earlier this week, a report claimed that the Bundesliga side could sign the Norwegian forward for just £25.7m.

However, speaking to the German media yesterday, Salzburg sporting director Christoph Freund dismissed the claim, and said no clause existed:

“There is no such clause, that is not an issue for us. We would never own any club a right of advance to any player. That was not the case in the past and will not be the case in the future.”

The news will come as a big boost to Manchester United who are said to be keen on signing Haaland in the January transfer window.

They will, though, reportedly face competition from over 20 clubs, with the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea all said to be interested in the 19-year-old.

Salzburg are believed to be holding out for around €60m (£51m) to sell Haaland, just a year after they signed the player for only €9m from Molde.

The Norwegian international is in such high demand after scoring 26 goals in just 18 appearances for his club this season.