Manchester United have seen their chances of signing Robert Lewandowski in the summer dented, following claims by the Borussia Dortmund forward's agent that his client is unlikely to move to the English Premier League next season, despite having an affinity for the game in England.
Lewandowski to United has been one of the most talked about and written about subjects in recent times, with Sir Alex Ferguson also recently admitting his interest in the prolific striker, who scored four brilliant goals against Real Madrid in the semifinals of the Champions League against Real Madrid.
Lewandowski's agent Maik Barthel, who had previously claimed a deal had already been agreed with a club and it was only a matter of Borussia Dortmund signing off on the move, said the Polish international would love a move to the Premier League, but it was unlikely to happen in the upcoming summer.
"I can tell you only one thing -- Robert is interested in the future coming to the Premier League," Barthel told the Guardian. "The Premier League is very interesting for Robert.
"How long is the future, I cannot say to you. I think this summer is not the future."
Widespread reports have claimed Lewandowski, whose current deal with Dortmund runs out in 2014, has already agreed a move to Bayern Munich, following his Dortmund teammate Mario Gotze in making a move to the Allianz Arena.
However, Ferguson believes United or any other team outside the Bundesliga still have a chance as Dortmund will be reluctant to sell another key player to their rivals, following the furore that was created when the Gotze move was officially announced.
"If the right player comes along you have to be prepared to make a move," Ferguson said a couple of days back. "I can find room for anybody here as long as they have the required quality.
"I am not sure Lewandowski will be sold to Bayern now. The Dortmund fans are not going to be happy and I don't think they will sell to their main rivals.
"I think they will either let his contract run out, or sell him somewhere else."
Barthel was also noncommittal when asked about Lewandowski's impending move to Bayern. "I don't know," he said when asked if his client would be a Bayern Munich player next season.
Lewandowski has been in stellar form again this season, and after his stupendous showing against Real Madrid, there will be plenty of suitors lining up outside the door, with Manchester City also reportedly showing a keen interest.