By Kevin Phillips

24th Apr, 2022 | 7:30am

Erling Haaland facing 'stringent examinations' at Man City amid injury 'rumours' - pundit

Man City will sanction “stringent examinations” for Erling Haaland’s potential medical after “rumours” about his fitness.

That is according to former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips, speaking exclusively to Football Insider in the wake of damning reports about the 21-year-old’s injury struggles.

As per Sport1 (16 April), Borussia Dortmund coach Marco Rose revealed Haaland is playing through the pain barrier and has refused to undergo an MRI scan to reveal the full extent of an ankle injury sustained last month.

The report claims the Norway international is trying to keep details of his injury problems “secret” to prevent a big-money summer move from falling through.

According to Sky Sports (20 April), Man City are now ready to trigger Haaland’s €75million (£62million) release clause in a bid to bring him to the Etihad Stadium this summer.

Phillips insisted any “underlying problems” will be identified in the talisman’s medical.

“When you’re signing for that sort of money, he’ll go through the most stringent examinations possible,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.

“If I’m the owner, and I’m investing the money – I’d make sure he goes through every test you can possibly do. Man City aren’t stupid, you have to follow up on those rumours.

“He just seems like a strong character, almost arrogant in a way. He wants to play through the pain for the team – it won’t affect him, and that’s good.

“But the medical will pick up any underlying problems with him.

“I’m sure it won’t stop him signing for City and playing in the Premier League for years to come.”

In other news, pundit claims Raheem Sterling is causing Man City “£40m” transfer dilemma after source’s reveal.