Manchester City poised to enter January transfer window for Erling Haaland stand-in amid injury concerns | OneFootball

Etihad Stadium transfer bosses are on standby over entering the January transfer market to sign a new striker, amid concerns over Erling Haaland’s current injury.

The Norway international was absent from Manchester City’s most recent Premier League victory over Luton Town on Sunday afternoon, having sustained a stress in his foot meaning he is a doubt for the FIFA Club World Cup campaign in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking after the victory over Luton at Kenilworth Road, Pep Guardiola explained, “The day after Villa, he could almost not walk properly. Yesterday I spoke to him, (he was) saying, ‘I feel much better, I can walk, I have no pain’. That’s why we have to see how he is day by day.”

Despite the optimism given off by the Manchester City manager, a new report has detailed an alternative view from within the club that would suggest there is some element of concern of the 23-year-old’s fitness.

According to the information of Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, the Premier League champions could enter the January transfer market for a new striker if Erling Haaland’s current foot injury worsens in the coming days and weeks.

Football Insider quote a ‘well-placed source’, who states that “the money is there” for manager Pep Guardiola, should the Manchester City boss want to enter into the transfer market in the coming weeks, despite there being ‘no massive rush’ to get deals over the line in mid-season.

Sunday’s clash against Rob Edwards’ side saw Julian Alvarez move into the striking role, in a fluid Manchester City attack that also saw the likes of Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva operating close to the Argentine causing problems for the Luton defence.

While Alvarez was unable to offer a goal in his time on the pitch, he did bring the match-winning assist to the table, crossing the ball over to the far post for Jack Grealish to turn home and secure all three points for the visitors after four games without a win.