Hint of things to come

After a scintillating hat-trick to put Manchester City within touching distance of another English Premier League title, Kevin De Bruyne celebrated with a meditation pose made famous by Norwegian striker Erling Haaland.

As if De Bruyne's own performance against Wolves, scoring four in a 5-1 rout, was not scary enough, his reminder of Haaland's imminent arrival to the Etihad Stadium was a further intimidating signal to opponents.

"I just did it because I scored three. That never happens," De Bruyne said.

But the symbolism was clear.

City will be hoping that goal machine Haaland's planned July 1 transfer from Borussia Dortmund not only cements their status at the top of the Premier League but will also bring an elusive Champions League trophy.

"It's a good signing ... and I'm pretty sure he will adapt perfectly," City boss Pep Guardiola said of Haaland.

The 21-year-old Haaland has scored 85 goals in 88 games for Dortmund since his debut in January 2020.

He was last season's top scorer in the Champions League as well as the Nations League.

Meanwhile, manager Erik ten Hag looks back at his four years with Ajax Amsterdam with "great satisfaction" after winning a third successive Dutch league title and wants to take those winning ways to Manchester United next season.

Ajax were crowned champions with one game to spare after beating Heerenveen 5-0.

"I have enjoyed this great journey, it was a beautiful era," said Ten Hag, who leaves for United determined to turn things around in the same way he turned around Ajax's fortunes.

Elsewhere, Inter Milan won the Italian Cup after an extra-time double from Ivan Perisic gave them a 4-2 victory over Juventus in the final at Stadio Olimpico.

After a result that ensures Juventus will finish the season trophyless, veteran defender Giorgio Chiellini, 37, confirmed he will leave the Turin giants at the end of the season.