Manchester United are being linked again with Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski after reports that the club are to watch the Poland international in action for Dortmund in their Champions League clash with Manchester City tonight.
United were linked with Lewandowski earlier this summer and it was even suggested by the then Poland boss Franciszek Smuda that he would be joining United after Euro 2012 was over. However, the Daily Telegraph claims today that Dortmund were only made aware of United’s interest in August, immediately prior to the Red Devils signing Robin van Persie from Arsenal, a move that would suggest that Lewandowski was only ever a ‘fall-back’ position should United fail to sign the Dutchman.
The Telegraph adds that the futures of Nani and Javier Hernandez are now being called into question and that Sir Alex Ferguson sees Lewandowski as an alternative. Nani’s contractual talks with United are still continuing after grinding to a halt over the summer. Hernandez has slipped to fourth-choice striker after a disappointing second season with the club last season and his position at the club could be at risk if he fails to shine.
Lewandowski has less than two years left on his current deal with Dortmund and has already refused to sign a new contract. He stated this summer that his ambition is to play in the Premier League and the German champions are likely to sell him next summer rather than let him go for nothing in 2014. The German side refused to sanction a sale this summer having already sold one of their star names, midfielder Shinji Kagawa, to United in a £17million deal. That was despite receiving a bid from Chelsea of around £13million plus add-ons.
Sir Alex is expected to check out Lewandowski himself along with assistant manager Mike Phelan.
