Real Madrid president asked about Erling Haaland release clause at Man City

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has insisted he doesn't know anything about Erling Haaland's Manchester City release clause.

City won the race for the most in-demand signature in football this past summer when they managed to sign Haaland from Borussia Dortmund. The striker has had a remarkable start to life in England, with 20 goals to his name in just 14 matches.

Spanish giants Madrid were another team said to be heavily interested in signing Haaland and Los Blancos continue to be linked with a move for him even now. The Norwegian sensation may have only just signed for the Blues but there is a concern that his stay may not be as long as expected.

The Athletic reported last week that there is a €200m (£175.5m) release clause in his five-year contract that comes into effect in 2024 while his father, Alf Inge, recently claimed that he wants to 'prove his abilities in all leagues' and put a time frame of 'three or four years at the most' on his City stint.

Madrid would be the most obvious next destination for Haaland if he was to leave City but Perez has moved to downplay any suggestion that the La Liga champions are planning a move. "Release clause for Erling Haaland? I have no idea, honestly," he said. "We have the best players in the world at Real Madrid.

"Mbappé rumours? Makes no sense to speak about it. We have Rodrygo and Vinicius, they are two top players."

Perez was speaking at Monday night's Ballon d'Or ceremony where his striker Karim Benzema took home the top prize. Kevin De Bruyne placed third while Haaland was 10th, Riyad Mahrez 12th, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva joint 22nd and Joao Cancelo 25th.