Chelsea are “increasingly hopeful” they can beat the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool to the signing of Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Haaland, according to Eurosport.

The website claims the Blues are making some progress in persuading the Norwegian that a switch to Stamford Bridge would be the best career move.

City are, though, believed to be Chelsea’s main contenders for Haaland’s signature, at the moment. The Manchester club have reportedly been tracking the 20-year-old for two years and see him as the “perfect” striker to replace Sergio Aguero.

It remains to be seen whether Dortmund will sanction the player’s sale anyway. A €75m release clause only comes into effect in 2022 so the Bundesliga club won’t be under pressure to sell. However, if they don’t qualify for Europe this season, a firesale may be required so the likes of City and Chelsea will certainly be keeping tabs on his situation.