Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Chelsea handed boost in Robert Lewandowski chase as Man Utd withdraw interest
CHELSEA have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski with the news that Manchester United are no longer interested in signing the Pole.
Lewandowski will leave Dortmund at the end of the season when his contract expires and he was expected to join Bayern Munich on a free transfer.
However, recent reports suggest that an agreement with Bayern has not been reached and the European Champions may no longer be convinced of the merits of adding Lewandowski to Pep Guardiola's squad.
United have been tracking Lewandowski's progress for at least the last 18 months and even had an £18m bid for the 25-year-old rejected under Sir Alex Ferguson.
But David Moyes is now thought to have ruled out a move for the player, insisting he has no need for another out-and-out striker given the other areas of his squad that need strengthening.
Moyes stance has been strengthened by United's confidence that Wayne Rooney will soon sign a new contract at the club.
The news significantly improves Chelsea's chances of signing the striker, although Barcelona have also been alerted to the fact that Lewandowski's move to Bayern may not be wrapped up and could also mount a campaign to sign the striker.