Pep Guardiola had a blunt response to question about Erling Haaland leaving Man City for Real Madrid

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola gave a blunt response when asked about reports linking Erling Haaland with Real Madrid.

Haaland returned to action this week following a two-month injury lay-off with a stress fracture in his foot.

The Norwegian striker came off the bench during City's 3-1 win against Burnley on Wednesday, and his return to the City squad coincided with fresh reports that he is unhappy with life in Manchester.

Despite firing City to the Treble last season by scoring 52 goals in all competitions, some Spanish outlets have claimed this week that the 23-year-old wants to move to Real Madrid, the team that lost out to City in the battle for Haaland's signature in 2022.

With speculation picking up again, Guardiola has given his opinion on the situation. Ahead of City's Premier League clash with Brentford on Monday, the City boss was asked if reports that Haaland wants to leave the Etihad Stadium are true.

"You have to ask the media from Madrid, maybe they have more information than we have," he said. We don't have that feeling."

"He could not play for two months because he was injured but maybe the media from Spain, and especially Madrid, have more information than us. We cannot say he didn't adapt quickly and he was not fine since he arrived.

"It's the level he showed since he arrived on day one. We cannot control what people say. When he's unhappy, he will take his decision."

Haaland scored 52 goals for Man City last season (Getty)

Haaland has never hidden his admiration for Real Madrid, and has previously admitted that he would like to play for the Spanish giants one day.

The attacker's City contract - valid until 2027 - originally contained a £150 million release clause that could be activated in 2024, but that clause was removed last year after Pep Guardiola extended his deal with the club.

Haaland has scored a remarkable 71 goals in 76 games for City since completing a £51.2 million move from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.

After coming off the bench against Burnley, the Norwegian will be available for selection against Brentford on Monday.

Topics: Manchester City, Erling Haaland, Pep Guardiola, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Real Madrid, Premier League

Alex Brotherton

Alex Brotherton is a Sports Trends Writer at SPORTbible. He has previously worked with publications including the Manchester Evening News, GOAL and BBC Sport. He is a football fanatic, but also dabbles in tennis and American football. He enjoys running, cooking and watching non-league football.

@alex_brotherton