Erling Haaland's affection for Leeds United clear as Stuart Dallas reflects on exchange and Whites hope

Dallas and Haaland locked horns in a Nations League clash at Windsor Park in September as Haaland bagged a brace for Norway in a 5-1 victory against Northern Ireland.

The striker and son of former Whites midfielder Alf-Inge Haaland has become one of the hottest properties in Europe 20 years after his birth in Leeds with the family then moving back to Norway and Erling's early steps as a footballer coming with Byrne.

After signing for Molde and then Red Bull Salzburg, Haaland then signed for Dortmund for around £17m back in January but the forward's affection for Leeds was in clear evidence during September's international shirt swap with Dallas.

”I’m not one for swapping shirts,” Dallas told the Weekend Sports Breakfast.

“I like to keep my own shirt, no matter who I play against.

“He walked behind me and asked about swapping shirts. It probably wasn’t the smartest thing to do, because we’d just been beaten 5-1 and I’m laughing on camera.

“It probably didn’t look too good. I thought he meant inside, but he shouted at me and asked to do it now.

“We did it and then he leaned into me and said, ‘Marching on together!’

"It was a bit strange. I’ve known the Leeds connection with his father and it’s nice that he wanted my shirt.

“What a player he is and hopefully we see him in the Premier League one day with Leeds.”

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Thank you Laura Collins