With negotiations underway for a new agreement worth £28.6 million annually, MANCHESTER CITY is prepared to make Erling Haaland the highest-paid athlete in the nation.

The remaining 12 months of Haaland’s contract, which is valid until 2027, have already been discussed with his agent Rafaela Pimenta by Etihad executives.

The Saudi Arabian raids on the Premier League this summer, however, have further concentrated Man City.

Even though they are unable to match the Middle Eastern billions, they are willing to increase his weekly salary to £550,000 for the following five years.

Haaland, who shares top pay at the Etihad with Kevin De Bruyne at £375,000, may increase that amount even further with individual and group bonuses.

The Norwegian scored his eighth City hat-trick on Saturday after winning the PFA Player of the Year and the Uefa award in midweek.

Although Haaland, 23, has no release clause, Real Madrid still wants him.

Al-Ittihad’s $170 million offer for Mo Salah of Liverpool prompted City to make an effort to secure Haaland, whom they value at close to £300 million.

Despite the fact that negotiations for an extension until 2028 are about to begin, insiders close to the player insist that there is no indication that he is being courted by Saudi Arabia or the Bernabeu.

Haaland was questioned earlier this week regarding the possibility of surpassing Alan Shearer’s 260-goal Premier League record.

“He scored a lot of goals, and I don’t want to look too far ahead, but I want to be right here, right now,” he retorted. I make an effort to relish every moment of my existence.

“I play for a pretty fantastic squad, and they support me greatly.

“I have to keep getting better as an individual.”