Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland may have his release clause increased from €75m (£64m) to €90m (£77m) before the end of the season, according to reports in the German media.

Although that could be seen as bad news for interested clubs, it may also lead to there being less competition for the Norwegian international’s signature.

Barcelona and Real Madrid are already under pressure financially and, were Haaland’s price tag to increase, it would make it harder for them to afford the 21-year-old.

In contrast, it would hand Premier League teams, such as Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United, an advantage in negotiations as they would find it easier to meet the clause.

Even so, it may still be a long shot for a club like Liverpool. The Reds have been tipped as a possible destination for Haaland in recent days, but the forward’s salary and the agent fees of Mino Raiola would still be a massive obstacle to any deal going ahead.