Manchester United are reportedly plotting an ambitious bid to try and prise Robert Lewandowski away from Bayern Munich this summer - almost a decade after Sir Alex Ferguson first tried to lure the Polish striker to Old Trafford.
Lewandowski has blossomed into Europe's most complete striker during his eight-year spell in Munich, where he's plundered a remarkable 344 goals in just 375 games. The 33-year-old still has 12 months remaining on his current deal at the Allianz Arena, but Lewandowski is keen to bring his time with the German giants to an end this summer in order to pursue a dream move to Barcelona.
Understandably, Bayern are not sold on the prospect of losing their star striker a year ahead of schedule; a stance that has irked Lewandowski. And with both parties currently at an impasse, Lewandowski's long-term future is currently unclear now that the transfer window has offically opened.
The situation surrounding a potential move is further complicated by Barcelona's fragile financial situation, which could scupper their hopes of prising Lewandowski away from Munich.
And according to The Daily Star, United are keeping a close eye on developments with a view to making their own move for the striker if Barcelona are unable to facilitate a deal - almost a decade after United previously attempted to bring Lewandowski to the Premier League.
Speaking back in December 2020, Lewandowski lifted the lid on his secret talks with Ferguson over a potential switch. He told France Football : "After my second year in Dortmund, I had a conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson. He wanted me to come to Manchester. I was very interested. I can even say I was ready. But Dortmund didn't want to let me go. It didn't upset me more than that because things were going well with Borussia."
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Although a move to Old Trafford failed to materialise back then, Lewandowski is doing his utmost to force a move away from Bayern this summer. The German giants are refusing to entertain the prospect of cashing in on their star man and have slapped a £40million price tag on Lewandowski's head - even though he'll be able to walk away from the club for free next year.
Lewandowski has made no secret of the fact that he wants to move to the Nou Camp, and made it clear in no uncertain terms that his career at Bayern is over. Speaking recently, Lewandowski said: "Am I optimistic about signing for Barca? It's a big question. I don't like being in this situation. What is certain at the moment is that my career at Bayern is over.
"I don't see any chance of continuing my career at this club. Let's see what we can do in the next two weeks, I don't want to continue at the club and I would like to focus on Poland. After the Nations League, we will have time to talk about the situation, but I don't see any possibility to stay at Bayern."
