Borussia Dortmund have already turned down a potential player plus cash deal offered by Chelsea for in-demand striker Erling Haaland, according to Sky Germany.

The 20-year-old has now returned for the start of pre-season at Dortmund amid the rumours about his potential exit this summer.

Sky Germany mentioned that Chelsea have already been in contact with Dortmund over a potential deal for Haaland.

Chelsea reportedly proposed a player plus cash deal involving either Tammy Abraham or Callum Hudson-Odoi, but Dortmund have already waved it off.

Sky Germany reporter Marc Behrenbeck further added that while Haaland and his agent Mino Raiola would be interested in a move this summer, Dortmund would rather lose the player when his release clause becomes active next summer.

“When Chelsea named Tammy Abraham and Hudson-Odoi, Dortmund said ‘Tammy Abraham is not as good as Erling Haaland, and we need him — he’s our best player,’” the German reporter told Sky Sports (via Football Daily).

“Tammy Abraham is not a possibility for a swap deal.

“There could be other offers, but at the moment, in Dortmund, nobody believes that Chelsea will really offer €175million (£150m).”

Chronicle view

Well, until Haaland’s reported release clause becomes active, Dortmund will have the final say on where he will play, at least for the upcoming season.

Chelsea are likely going to be under bigger pressure to land a new striker this summer after AC Milan director Paolo Maldini has essentially confirmed Olivier Giroud’s imminent transfer to San Siro.

An earlier report from another German news outlet, BILD, claims that Roman Abramovich has “released” the funds necessary to sign the Norway international.

But regardless of whether Chelsea can afford to pay Haaland’s reported £150m price tag or not, it would be sensible to try to negotiate a lower price while there is still time before the transfer window will close on August 31.