Manchester City identify Iceland international as Erling Haaland back-up transfer target | OneFootball

Premier League champions Manchester City have further added to their list of potential back-up options to Erling Haaland via the profile of an FC Copenhagen starlet.

The hunt for a new name in the striking role at the Etihad Stadium comes after the permanent departure of Argentina international Julian Alvarez, who left Pep Guardiola’s side in search of further opportunities in the leading forward position.

Despite the 24-year-old recording commendable numbers across a variety of roles for Pep Guardiola’s side last season in particular, the FIFA World Cup winner often found himself playing second-fiddle to Erling Haaland, and as such sought out a new opportunity.

Atletico Madrid agreed a staggering €95 million total package deal with Manchester City for the striker, made up of an initial €75 million transfer fee and the remainder of the figure coming in add-ons.

It goes without saying that the Premier League champions have the funding available to reinforce the position now left vacant by Julian Alvarez, but sourcing a name willing to act as back-up and also good enough to fit into Pep Guardiola’s side is proving a challenge.

According to the information of The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Manchester City have now considered a move to sign FC Copenhagen and Iceland international, Orri Oskarsson as back-up to Erling Haaland this summer.

However, the report states that City now seem unlikely to pursue a deal for the 19-year-old striker despite being confirmed as ‘firm admirers’ of the player, who is still set to depart FC Copenhagen before the ongoing summer transfer window closes.

In the event of an exit being confirmed this summer, the report reveals an anticipation that the Icelandic forward will leave his current club for around €20 million plus add-ons in any agreement.

Orri Oskarsson has been in remarkable form so far this season for FC Copenhagen, scoring five goals and providing one assist across just six Danish Superliga outings for the club.

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City officials are said to be happy with their existing personnel, and as such will only recruit if the right opportunity arises, with Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi also on their shortlist of Haaland back-up options.

Celtic manager, Brendan Rodgers has already played down the reports linking Manchester City with a move for the Japanese international, insisting that the Scottish club have not received any offers for their star forward this summer.

Speaking during a recent press conference, Rodgers explained, “Naturally it comes and we just deal with it. But there’s been nothing from Manchester City. It’s obviously rumour and gossip. I haven’t spoken to him directly on that.”

For now, Manchester City will continue to utilise Erling Haaland in the leading striker role, but look towards the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, and Phil Foden to operate in a false-nine position should that be necessary.