Europe's most-wanted striker spotted signing Man United shirt ahead of transfer [Photos]

Erling Haaland is seen signing a Manchester United shirt (Courtesy)

A matter of hours after news emerged of a £69m move being close, an image emerged on social media which shows the 19-year-old signing a 2019/20 Red Devils shirt

Red Bull Salzburg goalscoring sensation Erling Haaland has been pictured signing a Manchester United shirt ahead of his proposed £76million move.

Haaland, son of former Leeds and Manchester City midfielder Alf-Inge, has scored 28 goals in 22 appearances in all competitions this term and has five hat-tricks to his name, including one on his Champions League debut.

That stunning form has seen him linked with a number of European giants including United, who are keen to bolster their attacking ranks when the transfer window reopens next month.

Reports on Tuesday night claimed that United are closing in on a £76m deal for Haaland - but will loan him back to Red Bull Salzburg for the remainder of the season.

Haaland is currently Europe's most sought striker [Courtesy]

And, a matter of hours later, an image emerged on social media which shows the 19-year-old signing a 2019/20 Red Devils shirt, which was posted on his official Instagram account.

After posting the picture of the United shirt, Haaland posted several other signed shirts including Napoli and Leeds.

The fact he posed with a United shirt is yet another indication that Haaland will indeed reject a move to other European powerhouses, including Borussia Dortmund, and pencil a move to Old Trafford. 

Haaland worked with Old Gunnar Solskjaer during their brief spell together at Molde and the striker is keen on a reunion.

United have faced fierce competition from Red Bull Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund in the race to sign one of European football's hottest talents.

Haaland visited the training grounds at Borusssia Dortmund and Red Bull Leipzig this month amid reports that Solskjaer flew to Salzburg last Friday to make a last-ditch pitch for the youngster.

Dortmund are pressing hard to sign Haaland but Solskjaer has tried to tempt him to United with the promise of a place in attack alongside Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

It’s believed Haaland has already visited United’s Carrington training complex and is keen to be part of Solskjaer’s revolution at Old Trafford.

United are prepared to pay what it takes to secure Haaland – in January if possible – and have the financial muscle to out-bid Dortmund and Juventus.