While rumours have been circulating about Robin Van Persie for practically the whole summer, it appears as though Sir Alex Ferguson was working hard to land another striker. It has now been revealed that Bundesliga outfit Dortmund have rejected several bids for Polish striker Robert Lewandowski – with at least one reportedly from United.
There were murmurs at the start of the summer that Lewandowski was one of the top players on Ferguson’s shopping list, with these rumours seemingly reaching their peak during Euro 2012 when the player turned out to be one of the most impressive players of the tournament.
It now seems as though United were actually priced out of a move for the 24-year-old, with Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc telling Blid in blunt terms, “There have been enquiries from several clubs. Our position has not changed since March, Lewandowski still plays at Dortmund.”
Following on from those comments, some media outlets have suggested that United tabled a £24m bid for the striker earlier in the summer. However, following the recent signing of Robin Van Persie, it seems as though Ferguson’s pursuit of the player is definitely off for the time being at least. The failure to bring the Pole in will have disappointed many United fans, with Lewandowski regarded as one of the most promising strikers in Europe after managing to score 22 goals in the Bundesliga last term.
Meanwhile, reports have sufficed that Ferguson is looking to slash his valuation of Dimitar Berbatov. Initially, it was understood that the Red Devils would accept around £5m, yet with main suitors Fiorentina unwilling to offer such a fee it looks as though Ferguson has come to a compromise at £3m. Following the arrival of Van Persie, Berbatov’s chances of first team action are very slim and it’s understood he wants to depart as soon as possible.