Manchester United are ready to launch a bid for Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.

The Sun says United were in the hunt for Haaland, the most wanted striker in Europe, before he joined Borussia Dortmund last January.

A £65million release clause only kicks in next year, meaning anyone wanting to sign the 20-year-old before then will have to pay an inflated premium.

Leeds-born Haaland scored twice last night — one an incredible bicycle-kick — as Dortmund claimed an emphatic 4-0 win at Schalke.

Fellow Norwegian Solskjaer refused to be drawn on specific targets but did admit he has been promised funds will be available to sign the best players around.

He revealed: “I can't say anything about individuals — but we've got the backing.

“The owners keep backing the club and myself and hopefully we can improve.

“We've got a plan to become a very successful Man United team, one that top players would like to play for."