Real Madrid star makes choice between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe
- Andriy Lunin asked to make choice between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe
- Real Madrid linked with moves for superstar duo
- Current goalkeeper Lunin chose based on who he would rather as a number nine
By Sean Walsh
Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has admitted he would rather play Manchester City's Erling Haaland as a centre forward than Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe.
Haaland and Mbappe have both extensively been linked with moves to Madrid in recent years, though neither have made the switch to the Santiago Bernabeu just yet.
While speculation continues to rumble on over future transfers, Lunin has stirred the pot with a telling answer in a quick-fire Q&A with El Chiringuito.
When asked to choose between Haaland and Mbappe, Lunin replied: "As a number nine, Erling Haaland."
Haaland has exclusively played as a number nine in his career, while Mbappe has played in a variety of positions across the frontline, often playing on the left wing or down the middle as part of a front two.
90min reported earlier this week PSG have a shortlist of targets - including Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, Napoli's Victor Osimhen and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko - to turn to if Mbappe leaves this summer.
Mbappe's contract expires in June but owing to a complicated legal agreement with PSG, the club stand to make back up to €80m in loyalty bonuses and other variables should he depart at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Spanish media have upped coverage of a future move to Madrid for Haaland, suggesting he is unhappy in England.
However, Pep Guardiola recently challenged Madrid to call City and ask about Haaland's availability, commenting: "It [a transfer] is not going to happen. It's going to happen when Erling decides to extend the contract or not, when the club decides to extend the contract or not, when we have potential offers for him or not.
"If someone wants Erling it's easy - phone. Call Man City and ask. So that is what we do when we want to sign someone. It’s not complicated.
"Of course you have to ignore it [the media talk]. I know the reality in this world. It doesn't bother me at all, so as much as the players are focused on what they have to do the rest is not important."