Manchester United were willing to pay well over Erling Haaland's buyout clause to sign him from RB Salzburg, it has been revealed.

Haaland even had his heart set on a move to Old Trafford but United were unable to agree a financial package with his representatives and the striker instead opted for a move to Borussia Dortmund, who triggered his £17million release clause.

However it has now emerged that United were willing to offer Salzburg a whopping £50million in a desperate bid to sign the player.

BILD says United were more than happy to spend a mouthwatering figure in a move they hoped would persuade Salzburg to sell Haaland to the Premier League club.

United were ultimately unable to strike a deal with Haaland's agent Mino Raiola and the striker later joined Dortmund, where he has enjoyed a blistering start to his career.