Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc insisted the Bundesliga club have no plans to sell star Erling Haaland, despite their Champions League hopes fading.
Haaland has emerged as one of Europe's most sought-after players following his exploits for Dortmund, with Real Madrid, Manchester City, Barcelona, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea all apparently interested.
The 20-year-old reportedly has a €75million (£65m) release clause – valid from 2022 – but there is a view that Dortmund could be forced to cash in on their prized asset due to the team's Bundesliga struggles.
Dortmund are fifth in the standings and seven points adrift of Eintracht Frankfurt, who occupy the final Champions League qualification place with six matches remaining.
But Zorc – speaking prior to Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Manchester City – remains adamant Dortmund will not part with their Norway sensation.
"The fact is, nothing works without our signature," Zorc told Sky Germany.
"We plan with him, regardless of whether we qualify for the Champions League or not. We had a conversation with him and Erling's father.
"We have given a clear message that we will continue planning with him. It may be that [agent] Mino [Raiola] sees it differently."
Haaland was kept scoreless by semi-final bound City midweek, though he has still managed 33 goals and nine assists in 35 appearances across all competitions this season.
Among players in Europe's top-five leagues, only Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski, Tottenham's Harry Kane and Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe have been directly involved in more goals.
Dortmund team-mate Jadon Sancho has also been linked with an exit after Premier League giants United were tipped to sign the England international at the start of the season.
However, Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke made it clear there will be no cut-price sales amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"When COVID-19 struck, we had no debt. Not one euro," Watzke told BBC Sport. "Because of that, it is a comfortable situation. We do not have to sell a player. That is important.
"The rich clubs in the world, they must know when they want a player from Borussia Dortmund there are two possibilities. The first is that I tell them they have no chance. Other times, I will tell them 'this is the price'.
"Then they must know this is the price. It is not another price. We are very clear. We are very honest."
Aston Villa sign Youri Tielemans from Leicester
Aston Villa have agreed a deal to sign Belgium international Youri Tielemans when his contract with relegated Leicester expires.
Villa have confirmed the 26-year-old midfielder will join them on July 1 after four years at the King Power Stadium.
A statement on the club’s official website said: “Aston Villa is delighted to announce that the club has reached an agreement to sign Youri Tielemans.
“The Belgian international will officially become a Villan on July 1 after his contract with Leicester City has expired.”
Tielemans joined Leicester from Monaco in a £40million deal in July 2019 after a successful loan spell during the second half of the previous season, having begun his career with Anderlecht.
In all, he made 195 appearances for the Foxes and scored 28 goals, including the spectacular winner as they beat Chelsea 1-0 in the 2021 FA Cup final.
He also represented his country at the finals of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and Euro 2020.
Millwall sign Hibernian striker Kevin Nisbet for ‘seven-figure fee’
Scotland striker Kevin Nisbet has left Hibernian for Millwall after the two clubs agreed “a significant seven-figure fee”, the cinch Scottish Premiership outfit have announced.
The deal for the 26-year-old, whose exact price tag remains undisclosed, includes both add-ons and a sell-on arrangement.
A statement on Hibs’ official website read: “We can confirm that Kevin Nisbet has joined English Championship side Millwall for a significant seven-figure fee.
“The full terms of the 26-year-old’s departure will remain undisclosed, however, it does include sizeable add-ons and a sell-on fee.”
Millwall had a bid, understood to be in the region of £2million, accepted for Nisbet in January, but the player ultimately opted to stay in Scotland.
Hibs’ chief executive Ben Kensell said: “After deciding to stay in January, Kevin informed us that he wanted to leave the football club this summer, which we understood.
“Following those discussions, we had to ensure we got the best possible deal for him. We’re happy with the fee we received, and we wish him all the best for the future with Millwall.”
Nisbet, who joined Hibs from Dunfermline in July 2020, scored 12 goals in 19 league appearances last season after recovering from a knee injury which sidelined him for 10 months.
Manager Lee Johnson said: “We’re disappointed to lose Nizzy after he did so well for us on his return but understand that he wanted to go on a new adventure down south.
“Although he will be missed, this presents a new opportunity for someone else to step into that role. We thank him for his contribution and wish him all the best in England.”
Live – Treble-chasing Manchester City face Inter Milan in Champions League final
1600 – Good afternoon and welcome to the PA news agency’s Champions League final blog. Stay here for all the build-up, key match action and post-game reaction as Manchester City and Inter Milan slog it out in Istanbul.
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