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Erling Haaland teased a Manchester City transfer exit and batted away talk of a new contract ahead of the Sky Blues' Champions League knockout clash with Copenhagen on Wednesday. The Norwegian's current deal has just over three years left to run but Real Madrid are linked with a blockbuster move.
Haaland took English football by storm after landing at the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2022. He finished last campaign with 52 goals in all competitions and 36 in the Premier League - a new record - as his deadly instincts fired Pep Guardiola's side to a stunning silverware treble.
The 23-year-old has been similarly prolific this term, following up a five-goal showing against Luton Town last week by finding the net again in Sunday's 3-1 Manchester derby triumph. However, Haaland has since provided a sobering reminder to City fans that he may not be around forever.
When asked about his future ahead of the second leg of City's last-16 meeting with Copenhagen, the striker said: "I'm really happy, especially with the people I'm surrounded by.
"The manager, the directors, the board, I am really happy I have to say. I say this now, it will probably be a massive headline, tomorrow you never know what the future brings but I am happy. You can write this but you also have to write everything I said before. I am happy."
Having thrown his City future into doubt, Haaland was in no mood to discuss the prospect of extending his deal at the Etihad. "Yeah, my focus is mainly now on the pitch," he added.
Haaland remains the Premier League's top scorer this season despite missing almost two months of action between the start of December and late January. City, meanwhile, are firmly in contention to clinch their fourth league title in a row.
A win, a draw or even a one-goal defeat against Copenhagen this week would also boost their chances of clinching a second consecutive treble by sending them through to the Champions League quarter-finals. The Sky Blues are already through to the same stage of the FA Cup, in which they host Newcastle United on March 16.
