Crystal Palace have completed the signing of midfielder Cheick Doucoure from Lens.

The Mali international has signed a five-year deal for a reported fee of £18million (€21.3m), rising to over £22m (€26m) with add-ons, and is the third arrival at Selhurst Park since the end of last season, joining Malcolm Ebiowei and Sam Johnstone.

Patrick Vieira guided the club to 12th place in the Premier League in his first campaign in charge, and has now added one of the more impressive performers from Ligue 1 in the 2021-22 season.

Only Aurelien Tchouameni (101), who joined European champions Real Madrid from Monaco last month for a reported €80m fee that could rise to €100m with add-ons, made more interceptions as a midfielder in the French top flight than Doucoure (68) last term.

The 22-year-old scored once and recorded four assists for Lens last season, while only four midfielders in Ligue 1 created more chances from open play than his 41.

Speaking to the club's website after his transfer was announced, Doucoure said: "I'm very happy, I feel a lot of joy and a lot of pride to be a Palace player. I'm proud to be at Palace today."

Vieira will be hopeful Doucoure can fill the void left by Conor Gallagher, who has returned to Chelsea following a successful loan spell at Palace last season.

Erik ten Hag has confirmed Harry Maguire will stay on as Manchester United captain this season.

Maguire was named skipper by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in January 2020 following Ashley Young's exit from Old Trafford. 

The England international endured a difficult campaign both on and off the field last season, leading to suggestions David de Gea or Cristiano Ronaldo would take the armband instead.

Speaking after being unveiled as United's new manager in May, Ten Hag said he had yet to decide who would captain United in his first season in charge.

That came after interim boss Ralf Rangnick had suggested during his short stint at the helm that it should be down to the players to vote on who captains the side.

However, Ten Hag clarified at a news conference during United's pre-season trip to Thailand on Monday that Maguire will continue to lead the side.

"Harry Maguire is the captain," he said. "Of course I have to get to know all the players but he is the established captain and he has achieved a lot of success."

Maguire is about to begin his fourth season as a United player after joining from Leicester City in an £80million transfer in 2019, making him the world's most expensive defender.

The 29-year-old has made 144 appearances for United in all competitions, which is 11 more than next-highest Marcus Rashford during his time at Old Trafford.

However, he was regularly criticised for his performances in the 2021-22 campaign and was targeted with a bomb threat in April, which left the England international understandably shaken.

But former United captain Gary Neville believes Ten Hag has made the right choice in allowing Maguire to continue wearing the armband.

"Good," he tweeted in response to Ten Hag's announcement, which was met with a widely negative reaction by United's fanbase.

Neville then responded with: "Maybe support Maguire and stop bullying him on here! The new manager obviously likes him.

"The same United fans fuming with me for applauding the decision to keep Maguire as captain seem to be without knowing criticising the new manager for his decision."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists the Reds must be excited rather than concerned about the prospects of the new season, despite the departure of Sadio Mane.

Mane completed a €41million (34.7m) move to Bayern Munich in June, ending a successful six-year spell at Liverpool, where he won both the Premier League and Champions League.

Since arriving from Southampton in 2016, Mane scored 90 goals in 196 Premier League games, a tally bettered only by Jamie Vardy (104), Mohamed Salah (118) and Harry Kane (134) in that period.

The Senegal international heads to the Bundesliga champions for the 2022-23 term, while Klopp's side have brought in Darwin Nunez from Benfica to fill the void up top.

Salah has also penned a contract extension at Anfield, with youngsters Fabio Carvalho and Calvin Ramsay arriving as well, and Klopp believes Liverpool have no reason to worry for the next campaign.

"We know how good Sadio is, we will realise how good he was for us in moments because there were just 'Sadio moments' when no one else can do it like him," Klopp told Sky Sports News.

"That's not a bad thing because two years ago Diogo Jota came in and Diogo did amazing stuff for us.

"Bobby Firmino had probably not the season we all expected because of injuries but in training Bobby is back, 100 per cent. He's a world-class player.

"You don't have to be worried when you think about us or you can be excited about what's possible for us. We cannot do the same thing year-in, year-out, it's just not possible.

"We have a base, we have to build on this base and be more unpredictable for other teams and that's possible with bringing in other players because they have a different skill-set.

"How can you keep going? How can you improve a world-class football team? It's by training, obviously – we believe in that a lot – but as well in bringing new players in.

"We need fresh blood, a new dynamic, fresh desire to create a team full of excitement and determination for the things coming.

"Sometimes you do it exactly like you want and sometimes you have to react on a situation like when Sadio told us that he wants to move on. We have to replace him, he's a pretty good player.

"Thankfully we could do that already in the window by bringing in Luis [Diaz] and now Darwin. Fabio is a very exciting player.

"Two of the world-class front three are still here plus extra, extra quality, The spine of the team is as well, the last line, the midfield, have a very interesting mix of experience and youth. I'm really looking forward to working with that."

There have been growing suggestions Liverpool still require another midfielder to partner Thiago and Fabinho, with Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham among the names heavily linked to Merseyside.

Despite still being aged 18, Bellingham started 44 games for Dortmund in all competitions in the 2021-22 season – four more than any other player – but Klopp will not be making a move for the midfielder.

"No. I can say that," he told reporters when asked if there would be more transfer activity. "I don't think something will happen in midfield, but you never know. If somebody comes to you and says, 'I want to go'.

"Nobody came to me but if that happens then we have to talk. But if the situation stays like it is, then tell me why [I should sign someone]? I do not understand.

"People told me about this discussion but the last thing that would have crossed my mind is that we have to do this.

When pressed on interest in Bellingham, Klopp added: "He's not on the market, so that's the first problem with that player. Well, the only problem with that player!"

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag insisted Cristiano Ronaldo is a part of his plans going forward, amid growing speculation of a departure.

Reports have linked the 37-year-old to a move away from Old Trafford, with the Portugal international's desire to play in and compete for the Champions League cited as a reason.

United finished sixth in the Premier League last season despite Ronaldo's 18 goals, ending the season way off the Champions League spots on 58 points – their lowest-ever total in the Premier League era.

Though United insisted the striker, signed from Juventus last year, was not for sale, Ronaldo added fuel to the fire when he failed to report for pre-season training last week.

Ten Hag, however, has reaffirmed the club's stance.

"So, he's not with us. That's due to personal issues," Ten Hag said in a news conference ahead of a meeting with rivals Liverpool in Bangkok.

"We are planning with Ronaldo for this season – that's it. I'm looking forward to working with him.

"He hasn't told me [he wants to leave]. I have read but as I say, Cristiano is not for sale, he's in our plans and we want to get success together.

"I spoke with him before this issue came up. I had a conversation with him and had a real good talk."

Meanwhile, United remain linked with a move for Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong, with the view of bolstering a weak point in midfield.

Ten Hag was unwilling to provide details on potential transfers, but said their search for reinforcements this off-season continues.

"We want to have the right player," Ten Hag added. "We have a really good squad, we're working on developing our way of play and if the opportunity is there, we will strike.

"Definitely, we are searching for players in the midfield and also in offence we are still looking for players. I never talk about players who are not under contract, players at different clubs. I cannot tell you anything about this issue."

After facing Liverpool on Tuesday, United head to Australia to take on Melbourne Victory, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in Australia.

Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of Neco Williams from Liverpool.

Williams spent last season on loan at Fulham, helping Marco Silva's side win the Championship and gain promotion back to the Premier League.

But the Wales full-back has now joined another of the newly promoted teams, with Forest making Williams their sixth signing of the off-season.

The 21-year-old has signed a four-year deal with Forest in a deal that was officially confirmed on Monday.

Prior to the club's announcement, Williams confirmed the news on Twitter in a post thanking Liverpool.

"[Fifteen] years at this special club, thank you for everything @LFC it's been an honour to play for this club and to play under Jurgen Klopp," his tweet read.

"But I've now decided to take up a new challenge. I wish all the team and the staff the best of luck for the future and will always continue to support the club. Thank you and never forget YNWA !!!"

Forest coach Steve Cooper said: "Despite being only 21, Neco has established himself in the Wales starting XI. He's played in the Premier League, the Champions League and in World Cup qualifiers in the last 12 months and he is a very talented right-back. We're delighted to have him on board."

Erik ten Hag will get Manchester United into gear and enable them to meet high expectations this upcoming Premier League season, according to left-back Luke Shaw.

Ten Hag arrived in the close season to replace interim manager Ralf Rangnick, who in turn followed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, after United finished the league season in sixth on 58 points – their lowest tally in the Premier League era and 13 points off the Champions League spots.

The former Ajax coach is the fifth permanent manager to take over at Old Trafford since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, and United were expected to be active in the transfer market as Ten Hag aims to rebuild.

But United have only signed Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia so far, despite Rangnick suggesting the Red Devils may need up to 10 players to reshape their squad to compete.

While the lack of transfer activity remains questionable, Shaw believes Ten Hag will raise the performance levels and provide a structure that was lacking in previous seasons.

"It's clear that he's a top, top manager," Shaw, who played 20 league games last season, said at a fan event in Bangkok. "He has a structure to play the way he wants us to play.

"We haven't had that for quite a while and it was clear to see last season, which was extremely disappointing.

"We have to bounce back, and he has been working us extremely hard, but I think we need it. We're really looking forward to this season because I know it's going to be much better than the last one."

Shaw was joined by team-mates Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial in a question-and-answer segment at the event, and was asked to provide a word that best reflects United's new outlook.

While Varane and Martial provided non-committal responses, Shaw proclaimed the team's ambition with the word "trophy", something United have not picked up since the Europa League in 2017.

Before travelling to Australia for an exhibition tour, United will face Liverpool on Tuesday in Thailand to kick off their pre-season.

Paul Pogba has completed a return to Juventus after his departure from Manchester United.

Pogba left United in June following the expiration of his contract, and had long been expected to rejoin his former club in Turin.

He left Juve to rejoin United six years ago, in a then-world record deal worth £89m (€112m).

Pogba spent four years at Juve during his last spell at the club, having also joined Juve on a free transfer from United in 2012. The France midfielder will wear the number 10 shirt for the Bianconeri, who signed Angel Di Maria on a free transfer last week.

His return to Old Trafford in 2016 was seen as a statement move by United as they looked to re-establish themselves as English football's premier power after three disappointing years since Alex Ferguson's retirement.

But Pogba's arrival was not the catalyst for a return to the glory years for United, who have not won the Premier League title since 2013.

Pogba has become a representation of United's underachievement in the eyes of many supporters, with his performances rarely at the level most expected for a world-record signing.

His relationship with fans was often fractious and their chants of "f*** off Pogba" – to which he responded by cupping his ear – during the April win over Norwich City suggested a parting of ways was likely the best option for all parties.

He leaves United having won the Europa League and EFL Cup once apiece.

While Juve have strengthened by bringing in Di Maria and Pogba, they look set to sell defender Matthijs de Ligt to fellow European heavyweights Bayern Munich.

Ben Chilwell hopes to achieve the "highlight of my life" by securing the left-back spot for England and featuring at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.

The Chelsea defender missed a large part of the 2021-22 campaign, playing just 541 Premier League minutes, after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Juventus in November.

Chilwell required surgery for his knee issue but made an encouraging return on the final day of the season against Watford.

While the 25-year-old aims to deliver success for Thomas Tuchel's side, Chilwell also has his eyes on the World Cup in November, where England are in a group with Wales, Iran and the United States.

Luke Shaw and Tyrick Mitchell are among the left-backs competing with Chilwell, though Gareth Southgate has previously utilised right-backs Kieran Tripper and Reece James in the role.

With 17 caps to his name already after making his debut in September 2018, Chilwell wants to make the left-back position with England his own as the Three Lions search for a first major trophy since 1966.

"I'm back in full training now, I trained with the group in the last week of the season, came on for a few minutes," he told reporters.

"It has been nice to get away from it all after a long six months of rehab for a few weeks. I've come back early and I've been here three weeks and feel fit and ready.

"I took [the injury] in my stride and was pretty positive. I felt it could improve me mentally. The World Cup is a big motivation as well as the season with Chelsea.

"If I play well between now and then I am confident I will be in the squad. That's my mindset and I wasn't worried.

"I just wanted to do everything I can to be the best version of myself and play well for Chelsea for four months to give myself a chance to be picked.

"I dreamed of playing in the World Cup ever since I can remember, to know it is around the corner is more motivation than you know for me to see if I can establish my spot. Especially after the Euros which was a difficult time for me.

"I want to be the left-back in the team and I think we can do really well and go a long way. It would be amazing. It would be a highlight of not just my career but my life.

"So I am going to work for it for the next four months."

Finding players of a similar profile to Robert Lewandowski is a difficult enough task, let alone trying to actually replace him.

That is the dilemma Bayern Munich find themselves in with the wantaway striker, however.

But the reigning Bundesliga champions might have identified the player who is closest in skill-set to Lewandowski, should he get his wish and leave for pastures new.

TOP STORY – KANE BAYERN'S TOP TARGET

Bayern have identified Harry Kane as the successor to Lewandowski, according to Kicker.

Kane's contract with Tottenham expires in 2024 and the 28-year-old would command a significant transfer fee, but one that would be reportedly attainable for Bayern in the event Lewandowski leaves.

According to the report, Lewandowski hopes Bayern will accept Barcelona's offer for him by Tuesday.

He is set to return for the commencement of pre-season training this week, but the German club seem to be preparing for the 33-year-old's departure. They have already brought in Sadio Mane from Liverpool.

ROUND-UP

– Barcelona believe they will be able to sign Bernardo Silva from Manchester City, Mundo Deportivo claim.

– Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is reluctant to bring Cristiano Ronaldo to Stamford Bridge this off-season, the Daily Mail reports.

– Juventus are looking to use the funds from Matthijs de Ligt's sale to pay for Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, per Tuttosport

– Arsenal are in talks to sign Benfica left-back Alex Grimaldo after submitting an initial bid, The Express reports.

– Wayne Rooney is set to return to D.C. United to take over as the team's head coach, according to The Athletic.

Chelsea full-back Ben Chilwell has outlined his desire to "win the big trophies" with the West London club, but only if they can show the "consistency" required to keep up with Manchester City and Liverpool.

The former Leicester man missed the majority of last season after suffering a knee ligament injury in the 4-0 thrashing of Juventus in the Champions League in October 2021.

He only featured in 13 games in the 2021/22 campaign, with Spaniard Marcos Alonso filling in as his deputy as Chelsea failed to win the Premier League, Champions League or either of the domestic cups.

But Chilwell has now turned his attentions to next season, and believes that lifting silverware is well within Chelsea's reach.

Chilwell told the Athletic: "This is Chelsea, we want to win the big trophies.

"We’ve got a strong team. Hopefully we can add to that strength with some good players.

"We’ve got a great manager. New ownership. Great training ground. Good backroom staff. So everything’s in place.

"It’s up to us now to work hard and motivate each other to make that happen."

While Chelsea were the closest challengers to the top two in the Premier League as they finished third, they were a significant 18 points behind second-placed Liverpool.

And Chilwell understands that him and his teammates need to improve if they want to close the gap.

Chilwell added: "Manchester City and Liverpool have set the bar, for maybe the last five years, which every other team in the league is aspiring to get at.

"We showed in patches last season that we could compete with them, but it’s that consistency that they’ve shown.

"They’re not just one-season wonders, they’ve done it season-in, season-out for the last five years. That’s where we’re trying to get to."

Chelsea's underperformance at times last season, as well as their ownership issues, led to some speculation over manager Thomas Tuchel's future, but the 25-year-old left-back was full of praise for his German boss.

"We know we’re not going to get a better manager here," Chilwell explained.

"I’m not just saying it. He’s an unbelievable manager in all aspects and he has a lot of trust in us as well.

"Everything that could have potentially been tricky last season has all been resolved so it’s up to us to work and try to get that consistency on the pitch."

Chelsea's Premier League campaign begins on August 6, when they will face former player and manager Frank Lampard's Everton.

Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira revealed he has discussed a move to Roma with head coach Jose Mourinho, as he labelled the prospect of joining the Giallorossi "enticing".

The Uruguay international has spent the past two seasons out on loan after falling out of favour at Emirates Stadium, playing 26 times for Atletico Madrid in the 2020-21 season before making 35 appearances for Fiorentina last term.

Torreira's time in Florence was largely successful; having only scored four times in 89 Arsenal appearances, he netted five Serie A goals for Fiorentina as they finished seventh, a tally only bettered by Nicolas Gonzalez (seven) and now Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic (17).

And with Arsenal adding Porto's Fabio Viera to their midfield ranks in the off-season, Torreira has talked up the possibility of joining another Italian outfit in Mourinho's Roma.

"I spoke with Mourinho some time ago. He is a coach that I admire," he told El Pais.

"It is a chance that entices me, but it is not easy."

Roma have already been active in the transfer market as they attempt to build on last term's Europa Conference League win, signing Lille right-back Zeki Celik, experienced Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic and former Benfica goalkeeper Mile Svilar. 

Torreira said last month there was "no chance" he would return to the Arsenal squad despite Fiorentina opting not to trigger their €15million (£12.6m) purchase option on him.

Victor Lindelof insists he is unbothered by Manchester United's critics as the Red Devils prepare for a new era under the demanding Erik ten Hag.

United endured another tough season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and then interim manager Ralf Rangnick last time out, finishing sixth after recording their lowest points tally in a Premier League season.

The Red Devils also failed to end a league campaign with a positive goal difference for the first time since the 1989-90 season (-1).

Ten Hag has been tasked with transforming United after moving to Old Trafford from Ajax, where he secured a third Eredivisie title in four full seasons at the helm after the 2021-22 term.

Lindelof has spent early July training under his new boss in Manchester before heading to Thailand, where United face Liverpool in a pre-season friendly in Bangkok on Tuesday.

While the Sweden international is keen to ignore doubters from outside the club, Lindelof admitted he and his team-mates are doing their utmost to make a noticeable first impression on Ten Hag.

"When you play at this club there are always going to be people who talk," he told ESPN.

"We want to play at a high level and play well and win games, but I don't think the players care really.

"For me, the pressure I put on myself – I am the most critical person of myself. I don't really care what other people say, and I think the rest of the guys are the same.

"Of course, we didn't perform the way we wanted to, but last season is in the past.

"I think everyone is trying to look ahead and everyone is excited to work with the new manager and learn his style of play. I don't think we want to look back, we want to look forward and try to perform better."

United are also due to face Melbourne Victory, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano in pre-season, with the latter being Ten Hag's first game at Old Trafford on July 31.

The friendlies will represent a chance to gain much-needed match practice for the upcoming season, though Lindelof was quick to praise the training sessions Ten Hag has run ahead of the pre-season warm-ups.

"The training sessions have really stepped up," he added. "On day one he was explaining what he wants us to do. He's very good at paying attention to the details and that's the biggest change.

"He has changed a lot. He has his style of play and he wants to implement those things. We've been talking a lot and practising a lot of different things. It's been very, very good so far.

"I wouldn't say there's a list of rules but he demands a lot from us, on the pitch but also off the pitch. We are all professionals so it's not a problem.

"He's coming in and he wants us to play in a certain way so of course he has to communicate it to the players. If something is not right or if something is not the way he wants it he will explain it again and try to show what he wants."

Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal have all been active in the transfer window already, but United have only brought in left-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord.

That may come as somewhat as a surprise, given Rangnick suggested up to 10 players were needed and Ten Hag was expected to rebuild, but the lack of activity does not concern Lindelof.

"I'm not really focused on other teams and what they're doing in the transfer market," he continued. "I don't read things. I just try to focus on myself and my team, that's the most important thing.

"[Liverpool and Man City] have been performing well but I have great belief in the players that we have and I think we can perform at a very, very high level. If we do things right and we work hard we can compete.

"We represent this amazing club and we want to compete for trophies. The aim for every footballer is to win so it's always what we're looking to do."

Erling Haaland believes he can play a key role in delivering the Champions League title that Manchester City are craving.

The Etihad Stadium giants have scooped the Premier League title in four of the past five seasons, but they have yet to be crowned kings of Europe.

That rankles, as City believe they are ideally equipped to challenge the continent's best, and the arrival of a clinical striker of Haaland's ilk should only strengthen their hand.

By bringing in the 21-year-old from Borussia Dortmund, City have made a statement signing, landing a player the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona have also admired.

When it was put to Haaland that he might be "a big piece in the jigsaw" when it comes to City's Champions League aspirations, Haaland gave a strong clue regarding his ambition on that front.

"What I'm going to say, and I've said it before, the Champions League is my favourite competition. So I think you have your answer there," he told a news conference.

"This is a big challenge, it's a new country, a new league, a new coach. But I know how it is to come to a new club. I've done it a couple of times before, so I'm really looking forward to it.

"[I will handle pressure] like I've been doing my whole career, trying to enjoy every single minute, every moment and trying not to think too much because overthinking is not a good thing for every human being. I try to relax when I can relax and enjoy every single moment I can and to work hard."

Haaland has gone from Bryne to Molde, to Salzburg, then on to Dortmund, and now he has switched to City. He believes the career trajectory, guided by his father Alf-Inge and his late agent Mino Raiola, has gone as well as anyone could have hoped.

"We've been doing every step perfectly now," Haaland said. "I have a good and small team around me that is focused a lot.

"I have really good friends from my home town, and I have people who push me when they should push me and stop me when they should stop me. I have a really good mix of people around me that make me better every day, and that's what I want."

Haaland said facing City in the Champions League with Dortmund in April 2021, when Pep Guardiola's side won 2-1 in each leg of the quarter-final, had been an eye-opener when it came to appreciating the team's quality.

"You see something on TV, and when you meet it, it's completely different," Haaland said. "I didn't touch the ball for 25 minutes in the game.

"It's a different level, I have to say, how they approach and play the game and how they create chances, and that's what I wanted to be a part of."

He put his decision to join City down to "the feeling in my stomach", convinced they are the right team for him.

Haaland wants to make an instant impact and pointed to how he hit the ground running with Dortmund in January 2020, helped by a player now at Manchester United.

"In Dortmund, it worked really well with Jadon Sancho," Haaland said. "In my debut, after one minute he assisted me, a really nice ball from him and a nice goal, and it's about getting to know each other to play with each other, so we can perform at the highest level.

"I've watched Manchester City ever since Pep Guardiola took over in 2016, so I think I know exactly how they play, and I think I know a lot about everything."

Lucas Paqueta has been subject to multiple proposals amid reported interest from Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle United, Lyon president Jean-Michael Aulas has confirmed.

Mikel Arteta recently brought in Porto star Fabio Vieira to bolster Arsenal's midfield ranks, with reports also linking the Gunners with a move for Youri Tielemans from Leicester City.

Paqueta has been another name reportedly of interest to Arsenal, but the Gunners could face stern competition for the midfielder's signature from Newcastle and Tottenham.

Newcastle, backed by the financial power of their Saudi Arabia-led ownership, attempted to sign Paqueta in January after their takeover, but were only successful in acquiring Lyon team-mate Bruno Guimaraes.

Paqueta could follow a similar path to the impressive Guimaraes should he opt to move to St. James' Park, though the lure of Champions League football may make Spurs more appealing.

Brazil international Paqueta has three years left on his contract after he arrived from Milan in 2020, but Aulas conceded Lyon may lose their prized asset.

"There are proposals for him," Aulas told reporters when asked about the future of the 24-year-old.

"There are certain players who can feel complete in the project, and others who don't. Economically, we have the means to pursue our ideas and objectives.

"The coach gave us his opinion and there is also what the players wants to do."

Paqueta may prove a dominant creative force for whichever club he chooses, having created the most chances (41) and recorded the most assists (six) of any Lyon player in the 2021-22 Ligue 1 season.

Erling Haaland is aiming to follow Sergio Aguero into the hearts of Manchester City supporters after drawing thousands to his presentation on Sunday.

The former Borussia Dortmund striker has joined as the spearhead of the latest incarnation of Pep Guardiola's City team.

After winning the Premier League title last season while often playing with a 'false nine' forward, City will put their faith in penalty box predator Haaland in the new campaign.

Haaland, who turns 22 on July 21, has joined a City side who have yet to win the Champions League, which is the big target now.

The new boy will be expected to contribute a flood of goals both domestically and in Europe, and he said: "I'm really looking forward to it. It's going to be really nice. I'm sure we're going to have a good time together.

"The expectations for this season is to come into the new team, to get to know everyone of course now and get the connections and have fun. When I have fun, I score goals, I win games, so it's easy."

There is good reason for the high expectation that has surrounded Haaland's arrival. The Norwegian scored 86 goals in 89 appearances in all competitions during two and a half years at Dortmund, with only Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski (123 in 108 games) and Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe (93 in 111 games) from Europe's top five leagues scoring more in that time.

Last season, Haaland scored 29 goals in 30 games on all fronts at a rate of one goal every 3.6 attempts, and he put away 65.8 per cent of his big chances.

"It's an amazing team and we just have to continue and to get a little bit better," Haaland said of his City challenge. "It's not much to say, I'm just looking forward to everything."

Haaland's father, Alf-Inge, played for City and was present on Sunday for the presentation that took place outside the Etihad Stadium.

"It's going to be nice, my father played here for a couple of years," said Haaland. "It's always special when your father did something, and you get to do some the same things that he did, it's a bit special."

Asked about his idols as a boy, Haaland said: "Of course my dad, but in City I have many jerseys at home from Aguero, so of course him, so from City it was him.

"I love strikers because I've always been a striker myself. Aguero's a good example of scoring goals."

Argentinian Aguero is City's record scorer, leaving for Barcelona a year ago after netting 254 goals for the club in a 10-year spell. He has since retired.

City paraded Haaland along with fellow forward Julian Alvarez and new back-up goalkeeper Stefan Ortega on Sunday. They could make their first appearances on the upcoming pre-season trip to the United States.

Kalvin Phillips, acquired from Leeds United, was expected to join them at the presentation but was reportedly absent due to illness.

Asked which team he was most looking forward to facing, Haaland could not resist expressing his impatience for derby day. City are due to play Manchester United on October 1.

"I have to say I don't like to say the words, but Manchester United, yeah," Haaland said. "I think it's going to be a really good time together.

"Let's get this pre-season gone quick and good and I can't wait to get started with the important games, and games all the time."