Everton scout: We could have signed Haaland for 60,000 pounds but thought he'd lose his effectiveness

Manchester City have managed to seal a deal that will land them one of the most-sought after players in the world in Erling Haaland, but it was Everton who had previously missed out on the opportunity to acquire his services.

The Norway international, who has netted as many as 86 goals in 89 games with Borussia Dortmund since 2020, could have joined the Toffees back in 2016.

Aged 15 at the time, Haaland was still at his hometown club Bryne, when he was spotted by Everton's Scandinavian scout Bryan King, who recommended him for a trial at the Premier League club.

"We could have had him for a compensation fee of 60,000 pounds," King told The Times.

"But the consensus was he was so young and so big that once he got older and other players got bigger too, he'd lose his effectiveness.

"But, of course, that hasn't happened. He's just become even more powerful, even quicker and even better too."

Later, former director of football Steve Walsh had reached an agreement to sign Haaland for 3.4m pounds, but the deal fell through, as owner Farhad Moshiri didn't give the green light.

Haaland's last game for Dortmund

Haaland will part ways with the Bundesliga club in the summer. In his last game for Dortmund, he netted from the spot to lead his team to a 2-1 win over Hertha Berlin on Saturday.

"It has been nothing but an honour to wear this shirt,' the Norwegian striker tweeted after the game.

"At [Dortmund] I've spent memorable moments, met special people, not to mention a fan base that has been always our extra man on the pitch. I'll never forget any of this!"

Guardiola is confident Haaland will adapt to the Premier League

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola expressed his certainty that Haaland will have no issues adapting to Manchester City's style of play.

"He can come for many, many years hopefully and I am pretty sure he will adapt perfectly to our team but for next season," Guardiola noted.

"I'm excited in my job but, of course, the players make you a good manager.

"[Haaland] is an incredible young talent, perfect age. I am pretty sure we are going to help him settle as best possible."