Pep Guardiola denies rumours of Real Madrid release clause for Erling Haaland

The day had started with reports in Spain that a clause in the 22-year-old’s contract would give Real Madrid a free run at signing him as soon as 2024

Erling Haaland gestures to the fans at the end of the match (Martin Rickett/PA)

Pep Guardiola dismissed reports of a release clause in Erling Haaland’s contract after watching his star striker add another two goals to his season tally in the first half of Manchester City’s 5-0 rout of FC Copenhagen.

Following on from Sunday’s hat-trick against Manchester United, Haaland scored City’s first two of the night before an own goal from David Khocholava and second-half strikes from Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez.