Bayern Munich Transfer News: Latest on Robert Lewandowski's Replacement Rumours

The Spanish press continues to push transfer speculation linking Robert Lewandowski and Real Madrid, with rumours that Bayern Munich have already started the search for a replacement.

According to Marca's Jose Felix Diaz, reports from Munich said Bayern expect the striker to honour his contract, but it's likely the Bundesliga side need to resolve the issue soon.

Merkur and Kicker (via EFE, for AS) previously dismissed reports that said Lewandowski had already agreed to a deal with Real, with the former stating Blancos president Florentino Perez has contacted the Bavarians to deny the rumours.

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

However, Manu Sainz of AS has suggested Lewandowski will be prioritised over Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane. 

Per Diaz, RB Leipzig's Timo Werner would be Bayern's top choice to replace the Poland international, but the Bundesliga leaders would not be afraid to go after Kane themselves, especially if Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino moves to Munich.

The British press has also looked at potential replacements, and Rory Smith of the New York Times suggested another Premier League star to BBC 5 live Sport:

The ongoing speculation will only intensify due to the international break. Lewandowski's decision to switch to a new agent, Pini Zahavi, was bound to set rumours in motion, too.

Formerly of Borussia Dortmund, the 29-year-old has been linked with a move abroad for years. Real and Manchester United have been mentioned as possible destinations most frequently, with the latter linked by Kicker (h/t ESPN.com's Matthew Stanger), and the poor form of Karim Benzema may have convinced Madrid to make a move.

Bayern don't typically sell their top players and have so far slammed the door shut on any speculation, while Lewandowski himself has also denied the persistent rumours, per Goal's Chris Burton.

He most certainly ranks among the team's top performers and recently scored his 100th goal for the Bavarians, an occasion that was commemorated by the Bundesliga with this odd song:

The Spanish press appears adamant the Pole is on his way to Madrid, while their German counterparts have other ideas. Expect this back-and-forth to continue for the foreseeable future.