Manchester City have put Real Madrid on notice, threatening legal action after presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme publicly promised to sign Erling Haaland should he win the club's election.

Riquelme, who is running to lead Real Madrid, made the pledge as part of his campaign — a move that has drawn a sharp response from City, who regard the comments as an unlawful approach toward a player under contract.

Haaland remains one of the most coveted strikers in world football, and City's swift reaction signals they have no intention of allowing any rival club to unsettle their star forward through public statements, whether made in an electoral context or otherwise.

Real Madrid have not yet issued a formal response to City's legal warning. The situation adds an unusual dimension to the ongoing presidential race at the Santiago Bernabéu club, where candidates are competing to succeed the current leadership.