Borussia Dortmund chief makes Erling Haaland statement amid continued transfer rumours

Erling Haaland is part of Borussia Dortmund's "long-term plan" and they have no interest in addressing the rumour mill claims club director Michael Zorc.

The Norwegian made the move to the Bundesliga outfit almost a year ago and has continued his prolific form.

Scoring a hat-trick on his debut set the tone of things and Haaland bagged his 14th and 15th Champions League goals against Club Brugge this week.

Prior to his Dortmund move the 20-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United.

Real Madrid are also thought to be keen and the German club have forced to sell some of their top stars in recent times.

Zorc though does not envisage Haaland leaving anytime soon having spoken in a press conference ahead of this weekends game.

He said: "We plan for the long term with Erling. [Rumours] do not have to be dealt with at all.

"I will see him with us for a long time."

Haaland has scored more than a goal a game thus far this season as Dortmund remain in contention domestically and in Europe.

The striker has achieved a lot in his short career but Zorc has no plans to curb the player's growth in an effort to keep his feet on the ground.

"You don't have to ground him at all," he added.

"He exudes such a positive dynamic. Why should we slow it down now?

"He is leading the way, that is very good for us. I do not believe in artificially slowing positive developments."

Haaland's father, Alfe-Inge, has also reaffirmed his son's commitment to Dortmund recently.

He claimed top clubs eyeing him was inevitable but they had long-term ambitions with the club.

"When you play well, it's only logical that big clubs knock on your door, but we're talking about speculation here," he told SPORT1 .

"At the moment it's not in Erling's or my head that another club will be vying for him.

"We signed a long contract with Dortmund and they have a fantastic team for Erling right now. We don't want to look any further ahead."