Bayern want to extend Lewandowski's contract to signal he is still their top striker
Apparently, Bayern München want to tie Robert Lewandowski down to a new contract.
Bayern München are set to extend Robert Lewandowski's contract as the Bavarians want to show that he remains their top striker amid the interest in RB Leipzig star Timo Werner, Sport Bild understands.
Lewandowski's current deal runs until 2021, and Bayern want to extend the cooperation with the striker until 2023.
With the contract extension, Bayern want to send a clear signal that Lewandowski remains their top striker amid their interest in RB Leipzig's Timo Werner who could join the club in either 2019 or 2020.
Bayern aren't planning to bring in Werner as a direct replacement for Lewandowski. The 23-year-old is rather seen as a flexible alternative who can also play on either wing or behind Lewandowski.
By extending Lewandowski's contract, Bayern also show RB Leipzig that they aren't dependent on Werner in the short term.
'Die Roten Bullen' have set an asking price of €60 million for Werner - a relatively high fee, considering the fact that the German international is out of contract in 2020.
If the clubs don't reach an agreement on Werner, the striker could leave on a free transfer in 2020. RB Leipzig obviously want to avoid that, and club boss Ralf Rangnick have made it clear that it's a 'scenario that doesn't exist'.
According to Sport Bild, RB Leipzig are considering making Werner an improved contract offer which includes an exit clause that would be possible to activate from 2020.
Alternatively, RB Leipzig may put pressure on Werner by purchasing another striker who would threaten the 23-year-old's position as a safe starter.
Reportedly, Joelinton (Hoffenheim), Reiss Nelson (Hoffenheim, on loan from Arsenal), Dodi Lukebakio (Fortuna Düsseldorf, on loan from Watford), Luca Waldschmidt (Freiburg) and Erling Håland (Red Bull Salzburg) are among the names on the club's shortlist.
The increased competition would potentially make Werner willing to consider joining another club that would offer more money than Bayern. Dortmund, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea are all said to be interested.