Real Madrid issued a firm denial to Bayern Munich that they have agreed personal terms with Poland striker Robert Lewandowski, reports Munchen Merkur.
Florentino Perez, the Real president, spoke directly with Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge emphatically denying Spanish media reports claiming the reigning La Liga champions had agreed terms with the Bayern striker.
The 29-year-old Pole recently changed agents, signing up with legendary football super-agent Pini Zahavi. El Mundo Deportivo claimed the Israeli and Jose Angel Sanchez, a close aide to Perez, shook hands on a two-year contract, effective from the summer. Just the small matter of the fee with Bayern to sort out.
It won’t be cheap; Lewandowski is under contract until 2021. That’s if Real were interested but they are keen to point out, they aren’t.
Real have their own problems to contend with. Gareth Bale, 28, is set to depart the Bernabeu this summer, with a return to England widely mooted. Manchester United were favourites to sign the Wales international but having landed Alexis Sanchez, 29, from Arsenal, the Red Devils are unlikely to pursue their interest further.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 32, meanwhile is heavily linked with a move to Miami FC, the David Beckham-fronted MLS expansion franchise. If the legendary striker is to move to the USA, Perez knows he needs a big-name signing to quell the nervousness and unease which will surely follow his departure.
For the moment, it won’t be Robert Lewandowski. Not yet, anyway.
