Report: Barcelona to pursue Erling Haaland, but deal 'very difficult' to secure

Barcelona will reportedly continue to pursue Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland after meeting with his representatives last week. 

However, a deal will be "very difficult" to secure, according to ESPN's Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens.

New Barcelona president Joan Laporta met with Haaland's agent and his father on Thursday to discuss a potential transfer. Laporta left the meeting committed to trying to sign Haaland, according to ESPN. 

The Catalan club's financial situation isn't the best, so it's no surprise a deal for the Norway striker could be complex. Barca's debt has risen to €1.2 billion and Haaland has a €75 million release clause that can be triggered this summer, per ESPN. 

Barcelona reduced their bill last summer by allowing Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal to leave the club. In order to land Haaland, Barca will have to do the same thing again this year, which means selling players for "sizeable fees."

Barcelona isn't the only team interested in Haaland. According to ESPN, "several" Premier League clubs have shown interest in the Dortmund star. As the weeks roll on, things could heat up for the 20-year-old.