Haaland's desire for January move foiled Leipzig's attempts to sign him

Erling Haaland's desire to 'absolutely' want to move clubs in January prevented RB Leipzig from making a move for the Norwegian striker, according to the club's sporting director Markus Krosche.

Speaking to Bild, Krosche said that it was Haaland's will to secure a January transfer, rather than a summer move, away from the Austrian side that ruled Leipzig out of the running.

'For us, Haaland was a very interesting alternative - especially for the summer,' said Krosche.

'But the player absolutely wanted to change now. And that's where our situation is simply different.

'His agent Mino Raiola called me and said that Erling has decided to join another club.'

Krosche also believes that had Leipzig been able to sign Haaland, the 19-year-old would find it difficult to find regular first-team football with Julian Nagelsmann's side.

The Leipzig sporting director added: 'With us there is no playing guarantee for any player! We have strong competition with Timo [Werner], Yussi [Poulsen], [Matheus] Cunha and Patrik [Schick].

'Haaland would have fought for a place in the team with them. Other clubs may have more of a demand for players up front, so it's easier to slide right in.'