• Bundesliga

Dortmund under no pressure to sell Lewandowski

ESPN staff
November 26, 2012
Robert Lewandowski has been linked with both Manchester United and Manchester City © PA Photos
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Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke has warned potential Premier League suitors that the club are under no financial pressure to sell striker Robert Lewandowski.

Earlier this month, Watzke said Dortmund were no longer ruling out the departure of the €25 million-rated forward at the end of the season, but he has now backtracked, claiming the Poland international could stay at the club until the end of his contract in 2014.

They would need to sell the 24-year-old in the summer in order to bring in a large transfer fee. He is attracting interest from clubs including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Manchester City.

"Robert is one of the five leading forwards in Europe," Watzke told Kicker. "He plays at an extremely high level.

"Right now, I don't think Robert will be leaving us in 2013. There is always the chance he will stay, even if he does not extend his contract.

"Let's make one thing clear: this is our call. Economically speaking, a good season from Lewandowski could make more sense than getting a transfer fee next summer. We are under no economical pressure to have to do something."

Speaking at the club's annual meeting on Sunday, Watzke announced a record profit of €34.3 million after taxes - the biggest profit recorded by a Bundesliga club.

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