Barcelona And United Set For Battle Over £25m Striker Target – Report

German reports are claiming that Barcelona have entered the race to sign Robert Lewandoski, with Manchester United also believed to be inserested in taking the striker off Borussia Dortmund's hands.

Lewandowski admitted he was hoping for a transfer to Bayern Munich, as the striker enters the final 12 months of his contract with Dortmund and seeks a move elsewhere.

But his current side hit back at the possibility of the Poland international going to their biggest rival, who pipped them to both the title and the Champions League last season, insisting that under no circumstances will he go to Bayern before his contract runs out.

The news has essentially given a number of top teams around Europe the green light to pursue Lewandowski, and currently Die Welt is reporting that Barcelona have made their interest known as they consider bringing in the star to further bolster their forward line.

With the confirmation of Neymar's signature at the beginning of the summer, Barcelona have so far had a successful transfer window, beating bitter rivals Real Madrid to land the Brazilian starlet.

Lewandowski's arrival would change the set-up at Barcelona somewhat, with the striker preferring to play alone up front, but he could be tempted be a move to the club whose former manager is now preparing to take over at Bayern for around £25m.

United, on the other hand, have had such success with Robin van Persie over the last season that the side are in the market for another very similar player. Another consistent goalscorer would certainly help the side's goal difference even more next season, and could give them more depth in preparation for their Champions League campaign.

For the last two seasons United look to have fallen from their European perch, with the side going out in the group stages in 2011 and in the final 16 in 2012.

Sir Alex Ferguson looked to have no answer when Nani was handed a red card in their most recent Champions League match against Real Madrid, which they lost 2-1. With a new manager in tow their approach to European football will no doubt be different, but with Lewandowski on board as well - the hitman found the back of the net 10 times in the tournament last season - they could be handed a serious boost in their European ambitions.