Lewandowski is not for sale, warn Bayern

Bayern Munich took the unusual step yesterday of publicly reminding striker Robert Lewandowski that he was under a long-term contract to the club and warned any potential suitors that they would take legal action if the player was approached.

The statement released to Sky Deutschland followed a flurry of reports suggesting that the Poland striker was available and that Manchester United and Chelsea were among those interested. Lewandowski had not potentially been on the list of any of England’s leading clubs at the start of the summer because of the 4½-year contract he signed at Bayern in December – but something must have changed for the club to issue a public warning about his future.

In the statement, Bayern said: “If other clubs negotiate with a player who still has a long-term contract, they risk punishment from Fifa.”

United are in the market for a striker following the release of the injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic but have been unable to agree a price for Álvaro Morata, who is valued at £50 million by Real Madrid.

Olivier Giroud is interesting a range of clubs beyond just West Ham United, who hope to sign the Arsenal striker. He signed a contract extension in January but should he be made available this summer it is likely that clubs higher up the Premier League would at the very least be interested in signing a proven goalscorer in the English game.