MUNICH: The first major transfer chase of the summer has been signalled after Poland captain Robert Lewandowski informed German champions Bayern Munich that he does not wish to return to the Bundesliga after the World Cup finals in Russia writes KEIR RADNEDGE.

Lewandowski extended his contract last year until 2021 without an early-exit clause but speculation has been rife for some time about a falling-out between players and the club who are understood to be ready to cash in.

Back in February, teammate Mats Hummels accused Lewandowski of a lack of commitment in training and a sale of more than €100m would enable Bayern to strengthen their squad to narrow a gap with the elite clubs in the Champions League.

Lewandowski claimed his last goal in Europe in a 5-0 defeat of Besiktas in February but went without scoring against both Sevilla and Real Madrid in the quarter and semi-finals of the Champions League.

Madrid may show an interest but coach Zinedine Zidane is a great admirer of his current centre-forward Karim Benzema. A more likely destination for Lewandowski will be the English Premier League and a possible reunion with ex-Bayern coach Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Chelsea are on the lookout for a new centre-forward but will not playing Champions League football next season.

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