Wayne Rooney Reportedly Set for Talks as Man United Cool Robert Lewandowski Hunt

Manchester United’s reported interest in Robert Lewandowski is set to die down as David Moyes prioritises the extension of Wayne Rooney’s Old Trafford tenure.

As reported by Jeremy Cross of the Daily Star, a club source confirms the Red Devils’ long-term interest in the Borussia Dortmund striker has ended:

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Lewandowski has been a target but the new manager can’t see where he would fit into the team.

Other areas of the squad need strengthening and so the manager has turned his back on Lewandowski once and for all.

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While Cross’ report notes the Premier League champions have been tracking Lewandowski for 18 months, and had an £18 million bid turned down when Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge, it seems Moyes has other priorities.

The renewal of Rooney’s contract is set to become a main focus for the recently appointed boss, as noted in Cross’ article:

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Starsport understands United are confident Wayne Rooney will sign a new deal at Old Trafford and talks will begin in January.

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Rooney’s return to form has been timely for the club that continues to struggle under its new leader.

The 28-year-old has scored four times and provided two assists in a shaky start to the Premier League season, which has seen United beaten in three of their opening nine games.

The Englishman has also netted twice in as many Champions League matches this term and notched a couple of important goals during his country’s recent run to an automatic World Cup qualification spot.

It seems the burly forward has finally put a summer of discontent behind him. Despite Ferguson suggesting Rooney wanted to leave the club, per ESPN, the player has worked hard to regain his fitness and form amid failed bids from Chelsea.

Daniel Jones of Metro suggests Jose Mourinho will return with a £35 million offer in January, while Jamie Sanderson of the same publication says Rooney is ready to ink a new deal at United.

Elsewhere, Wayne Veysey of Goal indicates the forward has rejected the club’s attempts to discuss another contract. This is reinforced by Rob Draper of the Daily Mail, who claims Rooney could be flogged in a cut-price deal after a stall in negotiations.

Dortmund's willingness to sell Lewandowski in January could ensure the Poland international is available for as little as £7 million, per Paul Hetherington of the Daily Star, with clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea Manchester City and Real Madrid reportedly interested in his services.

For both Rooney and Manchester United, it's best his future is sorted as quickly as possible. With the winter transfer window rapidly approaching, another intense dose of media speculation will only unsettle all around Old Trafford.

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