Bayern in battle to keep Lewandowski

Bayern Munich are adamant they will not sell Robert Lewandowski this summer despite the striker having told them he wants to leave.

The Daily Telegraph revealed this month that Chelsea had made Lewandowski a top target – potentially signalling the departure of Alvaro Morata – but would face a battle from a host of leading clubs.

There is a growing expectation that Karim Benzema may leave Real Madrid, and possibly join Marseille, which would create an opportunity for them to sign Lewandowski, who has made no secret of his desire to join the Spanish giants.

There would be no shortage of bidders for Lewandowski – virtually every elite club bar Barcelona would want the 29-year-old – but Bayern are increasingly determined to keep him.

Pini Zahavi, Lewandowski’s agent, confirmed to The Daily Telegraph that his client wanted to leave and Zahavi stood by quotes he gave to Sport Bild magazine in which he said the Bundesliga’s top scorer “feels that he needs a change and a new challenge in his career”.

Zahavi, who is one of the world’s most influential agents, said: “Bayern’s bosses have been informed. Money or a specific club are not Robert’s motivation for a move.

“Everyone in charge at Bayern had a great playing career. They should understand his situation.”

Lewandowski did not refute Zahavi’s comments when asked about them at Poland training yesterday.

“These are things that my agent is taking care of,” Lewandowski said. “My focus lies on our preparation for the World Cup.”

Uli Hoeness, the Bayern president, stressed that the striker’s contract ran until 2021, saying: “We will show the football world that the club holds more power.”