Manchester United face battle with Pep Guardiola over Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski

Sir Alex Ferguson is facing a battle with Pep Guardiola over Robert Lewandowski after the incoming Bayern Munich coach signalled his intention to pursue the Borussia Dortmund forward at the end of the season.

Manchester United manager Ferguson has maintained an interest in Lewandowski since identifying the Pole as an alternative to Robin van Persie last summer.

Ferguson and assistant manager Mike Phelan watched Lewandowski in action for the German champions against Manchester City earlier this season, with Jurgen Klopp, the Dortmund coach, admitting that United are keen to sign the striker.

Guardiola’s appointment as Bayern manager from the end of this campaign has seen the Bundesliga giants emerge as serious contenders for Lewandowki, however.

The 24-year-old has made it clear to Dortmund that he will not sign an extension to his contract this summer, forcing the club to decide whether to sell or allow him to leave as a free agent in 2014.

United took advantage of a similar contract situation involving Shinji Kagawa last summer to sign the Japanese midfielder from Dortmund.

But while Dortmund remain determined to keep Lewandowski, the club are equally keen to avoid him joining Bayern, who look set to deny Dortmund a hat-trick of titles this season.
Having scored in his last five games for Dortmund, Lewandowski is regarded as their star player and a transfer to Bayern would prompt fury among the club’s supporters.
Lewandowski, who played for Poland against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Wednesday night, insists he will wait until the summer to decide on his future.
Lewandowski said: "After the last game of the season, I will sit down with my advisors and discuss everything and we will see what's next.
"It's nice that other clubs are interested but I am getting annoyed by all the speculation. For now I just want to concentrate on doing my best for Dortmund and Poland."