Manchester United Focus Back On Robert Lewandowski Should Cristiano Ronaldo Move Not Come Off

In demand: a stand-off between Bayern Munich and Lewandowski's club Borussia Dortmund could help David Moyes bring the striker to Manchester United

David Moyes has renewed Manchester United’s interest in Robert Lewandowski with the new Old Trafford manager aiming to bolster the club’s attacking options should an audacious attempt to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo prove unsuccessful. 

Moyes, who returns from holiday on Monday before officially starting his role as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor on July 1, is pursuing the Portuguese forward, who moved to the Bernabéu for £80million four years ago. But with Real determined to retain Ronaldo, who has two years left on his contract, United have identified alternative targets.

The Premier League champions are close to completing a £17million move for Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcântara, despite late interest from Bayern Munich, and it is understood that United have now contacted the Lewandowski camp asking to be kept informed of developments with the 24-year-old, who has told Borussia Dortmund he wants to leave for European champions Bayern.

United had an official bid for Lewandowski rejected last August, but stepped back because of a perception that Bayern had concluded a deal for the player.

However, with Dortmund refusing to sell to Bayern, and the player holding out for a move to the Allianz Arena, a stand-off has developed between Lewandowski and Dortmund which is expected to mean the £25 million-rated forward ultimately leaves the club this summer.

Manchester City and Chelsea are also interested, but the player has told friends his preferred option in England would be United. United’s attempts to move for Lewandowski, Cesc Fabregas and Leighton Baines are likely to hinge on the outcome of the Ronaldo pursuit.

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