Chelsea 'increasingly confident of signing Erling Braut Haaland'

Chelsea are reportedly making good progress behind the scenes to win the race for in-demand Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Braut Haaland.

The Blues are one of a number of clubs believed to be in the running for the Norway international, who has scored 43 goals in 43 appearances for Dortmund.

Real Madrid have long been interested in signing the 20-year-old, while Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City are also said to be keen.

According to Eurosport, though, it is Chelsea who are leading the way for Haaland's signature ahead of the summer transfer window.

It is claimed that the Blues are now increasingly confident of reaching an agreement with both Haaland and Dortmund over a big-money deal.

Recently-appointed Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is rumoured to have been backed with a £260m transfer budget ahead of the reopening of the window in four months' time.