Real Madrid are reportedly keeping Manchester City striker Erling Haaland on their radar as the club prepare for a potentially huge decision over Vinícius Júnior’s future.

According to Sport, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has identified Haaland as a possible superstar signing if Vinícius ends up leaving the Bernabéu.

The Brazilian winger is entering the final year of his contract next week, which naturally creates pressure around his future.

Madrid do not appear to be actively pushing Vinícius out, but they are clearly preparing for every scenario.

If renewal talks do not progress, the club may have to decide whether to risk losing value or cash in and rebuild the attack around another global star.

Haaland’s World Cup form increases interest

Haaland’s name being linked with Madrid is not surprising.

The 25-year-old remains one of the best goalscorers in world football, and his World Cup form has only added to the noise.

The Norway striker has scored four goals in his first two matches, including another two-goal display in the 3-2 win over Senegal.

Reuters reported that his double helped Norway reach the last 32 for the first time in 28 years.

The problem for Real Madrid is obvious: Man City have him tied down until 2033.

That means any transfer would likely cost more than €200m, making it one of the biggest deals in football history.

More Stories / Latest News

Talks this week: Chelsea look ready to rival Arsenal for transfer of midfield gem

Jun 24 2026, 10:40

Contract talks stalled: Arsenal and Liverpool on alert as Frenchman faces uncertain future

Jun 24 2026, 10:24

Newcastle United face Liverpool threat as young winger race starts to heat up

Jun 24 2026, 9:25

Olise remains another option for Real Madrid

Madrid are also still monitoring Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise and could return for him after the World Cup.

He would be a different type of signing, more of a creative wide player than a pure finisher but he also fits Pérez’s desire to bring elite attacking talent to Spain.

This feels like contingency planning rather than an active negotiation.

But if Vinícius’ contract situation becomes complicated, Madrid may be forced into a major attacking decision.

Real Madrid interest may just have doubled Bundesliga star’s salary according to insider

The post Real Madrid make €200m plan to sign Premier League star shining at the World Cup appeared first on CaughtOffside.

The World Cup 2026 has officially kicked off now, and soon we’ll see some of the top Golden Boot contenders like Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe in action.

Mbappe won the top scorer prize at the 2022 World Cup, scoring eight times, including a hat-trick in France’s final defeat to Argentina.

Four years before that, Kane was the winner as he scored six goals, but could we still see veterans like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in contention?

See below for a list of the top ten contenders for the World Cup Golden Boot as the bookies have picked the most likely candidates, with some money to be made if you use a Fanduel promo code…

Kylian Mbappe – 6/1

Mbappe had another prolific season with Real Madrid, even if his goals didn’t help his club to glory. Playing alongside such a world class pool of talents in this France squad, though, it’s hard not to see Mbappe getting a very good opportunity to both win the World Cup and the Golden Boot this summer.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

Harry Kane – 7/1

A lethal striker showing no sign of slowing down with age, Kane is probably England’s most important player, so seems a decent shout for the Golden Boot, even if Thomas Tuchel’s squad as a whole is arguably not looking quite as strong as recent tournaments.

Mikel Oyarzabal – 10/1

Not the biggest name or best striker on this list, but Mikel Oyarzabal has shown he can do the job up front for Spain, who will be seen as another of the favourites to win the tournament this summer.

Erling Haaland 16/1

Norway will be an interesting dark horse to watch this summer, precisely because of the threat of Erling Haaland up front. The Manchester City striker had a prolific qualifying campaign, scoring a remarkable 16 goals, and finding the back of the net in every game on their way to the World Cup. Surely decent odds for the Golden Boot?

Lionel Messi – 16/1

Not the goal machine he once was, but underestimate Lionel Messi at your peril.

Cristiano Ronaldo – 20/1

Now 41 years of age, Cristiano Ronaldo will be like a man possessed at what will surely be his last chance to win the World Cup, so could that see him really step up and scoop the top scorer prize?

Julian Alvarez – 20/1

Aside from Messi, Julian Alvarez could be the main goal threat to watch out for in this Argentina squad after two prolific seasons with Atletico Madrid.

More Stories / Latest News

Chelsea weighing up move for €50m La Liga defender who has worked with Xabi Alonso

Jun 16 2026, 13:44

Spain manager after Cape Verde shock: “We have to continue with the same idea”

Jun 16 2026, 13:25

Just in: England suffer World Cup injury blow as defensive plans take late hit

Jun 16 2026, 12:57

Kai Havertz – 22/1

Not exactly an out-and-out striker, but Kai Havertz is Mr Reliable for both Arsenal and Germany, plus he missed so much of the season just gone due to injury that he’s actually had more rest than most of the other players at this tournament.

Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust

Lamine Yamal – 25/1

The undisputed gem in this Spain side, could we about to see Lamine Yamal enjoy a memorable first World Cup? He’s more of a creator than a goal-scorer, but these look like tempting odds.

Raphinha – 28/1

Finally, one of the most prolific goal-scoring wingers in the game right now, Raphinha will surely be one to watch if Brazil have a good tournament.

The post World Cup Golden Boot contenders – Can Kane see off Mbappe for the top scorer prize? appeared first on CaughtOffside.