Pep Guardiola gives spiky answer about sections of Spanish media after Erling Haaland linked with Real Madrid

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola gave a spiky response when asked about reports linking Erling Haaland with a move to Real Madrid.

The Norwegian returned to action this week after two months on the sidelines with a stress fracture in his foot.

The striker came off the bench in City’s 3-1 victory over Brentford on Wednesday to hand the Premier League champions a huge boost ahead of the title run-in.

But his return has coincided with reports in Spain claiming the 23-year-old is unhappy in Manchester and angling for a move to the La Liga giants.

Haaland was linked with a move to the Spanish capital before sealing a switch to City in 2022 and has previously revealed his ambition of representing Real Madrid at some stage of his career.

Ahead of Manchester City’s trip to Brentford on Monday, Guardiola was asked about the rumours and whether there was any truth in the reports.

"You have to ask the media from Madrid, maybe they have more information than we have," said Guardiola. "We don't have that feeling."

"He could not play for two months because he was injured but maybe the media from Spain, and especially Madrid, have more information than us. We cannot say he didn't adapt quickly and he was not fine since he arrived.

"It's the level he showed since he arrived on day one. We cannot control what people say. When he's unhappy, he will take his decision."

Haaland, who is just 18 months into a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, had a £150million release clause that could be activated in 2024, removed last year.

It was removed after Pep Guardiola extended his contract as manager until 2025.

The Norwegian has netted an incredible 71 goals in 76 games since joining City from Borussia Dortmund for a bargain £52m.

Haaland was the catalyst in firing the Manchester club to a historic Treble success last season as City landed the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup.