Man City could make Man Utd pay for '£50m mistake' as Etihad club target Erling Haaland replacement

Manchester City could make Manchester United pay for their “£50million mistake” as Pep Guardiola’s side identify their Erling Haaland replacement.

Haaland has left the Premier League’s finest in his wake this term. The Norwegian has netted a whopping 52 goals in all competitions, including a record 36 in the top flight as City claimed the title for the third season in succession.

And with two league games still to play, as well as an FA Cup and Champions League final on the horizon, Haaland is likely to add to his mammoth tally.

Having only arrived from Borussia Dortmund last summer, the 22-year-old is likely to be at City for a few years yet.

However, should Haaland ever depart the club, Sky Sports claimed City have identified Brighton’s Evan Ferguson as a potential replacement.

Last month the 18-year-old was awarded a new deal at Brighton, which runs until 2028, after an outstanding breakthrough season in which he has scored 10 goals in all competitions.

Man Utd’s Ferguson ‘mistake’

Should City ever sign Ferguson United’s recruitment team will be kicking themselves.

Indeed, according to Sky Sports News, United’s academy director Nick Cox recently labelled the teenager a £50million-plus mistake” after the Old Trafford club failed to secure him on youth terms during a trial.

Ferguson went on trial with Liverpool, United, Everton and Celtic, but moved to Brighton as there was a more tangible pathway to the first team.

However should United try to sign him now they would have to fork out a substantial fee. Brighton reportedly believes if Ferguson continues his trajectory he can turn into a £100m player.

Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi told Sky Sports News he has no doubt Ferguson "will become one of the best players and strikers in the Premier League".

Meanwhile, Tottenham and Roma are also thought to be among the Republic of Ireland star’s many admirers.