Manchester United suffer another blow in pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid see Robert Lewandowski (right) as a possible replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo

ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI will not replace Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid, according to Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

 

Real are known suitors of Lewandowski as they seek a 'Galactico' player to fill in for Ronaldo, should the latter quit the club.

It is thought that Ronaldo will seek to leave the Bernabeu next summer, with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain both interested in signing him.

United manager Louis van Gaal even said last month that he is keen to secure the return of Portugal's superstar to Old Trafford.

 

But Real will not countenance a sale unless they have a replacement lined up.

Poland international Lewandowski was expected to be that player.

The 27-year-old has scored 26 goals in 26 games for club and country this season, attracting the eye of Real president Florentino Perez.

But Rummenigge told German newspaper Bild that they won't sell their star striker.

"I can imagine that Madrid is interested in Robert," Rummenigge said.

"But that does not matter. The player still has three and a half years of his contract.

"I can also imagine Robert staying beyond the three and a half years here."

 

Bayern's stance is not surprising but nevertheless closes an avenue for United to land Ronaldo.

Last night the player insisted he was happy to remain at Real but there are reports suggesting he will be offloaded next summer.

United are willing to offer Ronaldo a £250,000-a-week contract, while PSG are expected to double those terms as they seek a replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Ronaldo has also been linked with a move to the MLS, which could potentially land the ace a £194m deal over 10 years.