Keeping Erling Haaland at Borussia Dortmund in 2022 "will be difficult" concedes club CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke, but the Bundesliga outfit are not giving up hope of repelling interest from Real Madrid and Manchester United.
A big-money move for the prolific Norwegian striker is expected, with his exploits in German football attracting admiration from leading sides across Europe.
Dortmund are aware retaining the services of a prized asset is going to be tough, but Watzke says there is no guarantee the 21-year-old will be lured to pastures new.
What has been said?
The Dortmund chief told Welt am Sonntag of Haaland and the chances of keeping him at Signal Iduna Park: "Of course it will be difficult.