BORUSSIA DORTMUND sporting director Michael Zorc joked Erling Haaland is ‘already in England’ as he missed pre-season training.
Haaland was absent at Dortmund’s preparations for the start of the season, but it was laughed off by club chief Zorc.
He told Sky Germany: “Erling is already in England.”
The Norwegian is among the strikers linked with Champions League holders Chelsea, who are on the hunt for a striker this summer.
Timo Werner, 25, managed only 12 goals with Tammy Abraham, 23, and Olivier Giroud, 34, also facing uncertain futures.
It is believed Dortmund goal machine Haaland, 20, has since emerged as their priority target.
Some reports have suggested Chelsea have even started talks with his agent Mino Raiola.
It is understood Dortmund have set a £150m price tag on the forward this summer, but Haaland has a £65m release clause come into play next year.
If he remains at Dortmund, it will spark an even bigger transfer pursuit.
It leaves Chelsea considering matching the fee the German side have laid out already.
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But Dortmund are in no rush to sell Haaland, having agreed a £73m deal for winger Jadon Sancho, 21, to leave for Manchester United.
Zorc added: “Nothing has changed. We are firmly planning with Erling for the new season.”
Sancho is expected to complete his medical to United this summer before enjoying a well earned summer holiday.
