Bamford responds hilariously to talk Erling Haaland is signing for Leeds

Patrick Bamford has joked that he would “embrace the competition” amid unserious suggestions that Norway striker Erling Haaland is hoping to sign for Leeds.

The Borussia Dortmund striker has become one of the most coveted players in Europe since last season.

After exploding onto the scene at RB Salzburg, he has not slowed down in Germany. Indeed, he has scored 43 goals in 45 games, leading to lengthy speculation about his next move.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City all reportedly have a firm interest in the forward.

Those claims have obviously been fuelled by his agent Mino Raiola, who has confirmed interest in the striker from the Premier League.

Amid the conjecture about the striker, one report earlier this week claimed Haaland had ruled out a move to Chelsea.

And, having been born in Leeds during his father Alf Inge’s time at the club, Haaland jnr is a confirmed fan of Marcelo Bielsa’s side. Indeed, the Norwegian couldn’t resist swapping shirts when he came up against Stuart Dallas last year.

As a result, Leeds fans often joke, fantastice about Haaland one day joining their ranks.

And when that was put to Bamford, Leeds’ current No 9 had an amusing response when questioned on the official Leeds podcast.

“Are you at all worried about when Haaland signs in the summer, that you’ll be fighting for your place,” Matthew Lewis asked.

But Bamford could not help but laugh, and responded: “I relish the competition!”

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Haaland’s Leeds love explained

Norwegian TV commentator Jan Aage Fjortoft has previously spoken about how Haaland would be a good fit for Liverpool. And has also warned the Red Devils that there is only one ‘United’ the striker is interested in joining.

Fjortoft told Blood Red podcast: “At Dortmund, he has players like Julian Brandt who sees [his perfectly timed runs].

“He would be a good fit for any club and for Liverpool he is good. But when he speaks about United, he speaks about Leeds United!”

Fjortoft added: “I think he’ll end up in England at some stage….

“We should just wait and see how he is doing – he is at the right place now.”

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