Pep Guardiola wants Erling Haaland to remain with Manchester City for a decade, as he readies the striker for his first start in two months against Brentford on Monday night.
Haaland is fully recovered from a foot injury and poised to spearhead Manchester City's late-season push for the title.
City can draw level with Arsenal and come within two points of leaders Liverpool with a victory on Monday, and they would still have a game in hand over both.
Reports in Spain have indicated that Haaland is unsettled, amid links with Real Madrid, but Guardiola insists the 23-year-old Norwegian is content at City.
“What do you think? That we don’t want Erling to stay here for one decade? Honestly?” Guardiola said. “We want him [to stay] for a long time. We’re in love with him.”
City are expected to offer Haaland a new contract. “It is always about the desire of the player and the club. He arrived last season. His impact was incredible at the beginning of [this] season, then he had two months injured," Guardiola said.
“What happens in the future, honestly I don’t know. We are happy to have him. Hopefully, he is happy to be with us.
“You have to ignore it [media speculation]. If someone wants Erling, it’s easy — phone, call and ask. That is what we do to sign someone. It’s not complicated.”
Remember, Haaland returned to action against Burnley on February 1 where City secured a comfortable 3-1 win.
