Real Madrid is relying on the bond between Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland to potentially persuade Haaland to depart from Manchester City.

DORTMUND, GERMANY – DECEMBER 15: Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund interact prior to the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and SpVgg Greuther Fürth at Signal Iduna Park on December 15, 2021 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by DeReal hope Bellingham friendship will convince Haaland to leave City

Real Madrid are hoping that Jude Bellingham’s close friendship with Erling Haaland will be a key factor in persuading the Manchester City striker to make a move to the Spanish capital in the future. Bellingham and Haaland were teammates at Borussia Dortmund before going their separate ways to Madrid and Manchester respectively.

According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid are looking to use Bellingham’s influence to lure Haaland to the Bernabeu. The Spanish giants are aware of Haaland’s desire to play in Spain and would love to secure the services of the Norwegian goal sensation.

Bellingham and Haaland have maintained a strong friendship since their time together at Borussia Dortmund, where they played alongside each other for a couple of years before Haaland’s move to the Etihad in the summer of 2022. Real Madrid are keen to capitalize on this friendship as they attempt to turn the head of City’s 23-year-old superstar.

While the exact details of Haaland’s release clauses in his contract with Manchester City have never been confirmed, it is believed that they exist. City agreed to include these clauses when they signed Haaland for a bargain price of £51.4 million from Dortmund 18 months ago. Despite the speculation from Spain, City remains confident that Haaland is content with his current situation after a sensational start to his career in England.

In other transfer news, Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips is reportedly open to a loan move to Barcelona, although West Ham United are said to be leading the race for his signature. Phillips has also attracted interest from Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid, but it appears that a move to London Stadium is more likely.

Barcelona’s financial difficulties could potentially hinder their pursuit of the 28-year-old midfielder. Phillips is aware of the club’s economic crisis and has delayed making a decision on his future as he sees the Barcelona option as very favorable, according to Spanish outlet Sport. The move can only be finalized if Barcelona can secure Phillips on a free loan, with only transfer fees needing to be paid.

However, West Ham are prepared to spend big in the January transfer window, which could sway Phillips away from La Liga. Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid are also reportedly interested in challenging Barcelona for Phillips’ signature. Barcelona would need to complete the sale of 49% of Barcelona Studios for £171 million, with £42 million of that amount going towards signing a new player, in order to facilitate the move.

Meanwhile, Newcastle midfielder Joelinton may have played his last game for the club due to a contract dispute. The Brazilian suffered a thigh injury during the FA Cup victory over Sunderland and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. With only 18 months left on his contract, Joelinton’s wage demands are reportedly beyond what Newcastle’s hierarchy are willing to pay, making him the highest earner at the club.

Manager Eddie Howe is determined to keep the 27-year-old, but if no compromise is reached, Newcastle will be forced to sell him in the next transfer window to avoid losing him for free at the end of next season. Currently, the two parties are far apart in their negotiations.