John Arne Riise has urged his former club Liverpool to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland, but fears if he joins Premier League champions Manchester City it could make Pep Guardiola's side 'close to unbeatable'.
Haaland is one of the most sought-after players in Europe with Real Madrid, Manchester United, Barcelona and Bayern Munich also among those reportedly interested in signing the 21-year-old Norway international.
He ended last season with 41 goals in all competitions, including eight in the Champions League to leave him the competition's top scorer, but the German club - for whom he has already bagged seven Bundesliga goals this term - have so far resisted moves to wrench him away.
Haaland, who joined Dortmund in January 2020, has a reported release clause of £64million (75 million Euros) from next summer, which is expected to spark a flood of offers from Europe's top clubs.
And former Liverpool full-back Riise is hopeful the Reds will be among those bidding for his fellow countryman's signature.
'Obviously I would love to have him at Liverpool, because he’s an unbelievable player,' Riise told Goal.
'He's in great form, and I think he would suit (Jurgen) Klopp’s style of football. I also think he would love Liverpool as a club.
'But if City got him, wow! You talk about unbeatable teams, then that would be close!'
Riise, 41, admits he is unsure whether Liverpool have the financial muscle to capture Haaland, but insists luring the young striker would be money well spent.
'Whoever gets Haaland, whether it's next season or whatever, is going to be an unbelievably strong team for many years to come,' he added.
'I don't know if Liverpool have the chance to sign him, but if they do then please do, because that would be unbelievable for the club, or for any club that signs him.'
Riise also wants to see Haaland playing in England's top flight to boost the number of Norwegian players and added: 'Norway has been lacking players in the Premier League in the last few years.
'I hope Haaland comes to the Premier League. I hope he comes to Liverpool, obviously, but for Norwegian football it is important to get a player like that in the Premier League.'