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Bayern cool Lewandowski deal talk

Robert Lewandowski's future is a hot topic of debate © PA Photos

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Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has ridiculed Bayern legend Lothar Matthaus after he claimed a deal to sign Manchester United target Robert Lewandowski from Borussia Dortmund had already been done.

On Saturday, former World Player of the Year Matthaus told Sky the only question remaining was whether the Poland international, who has also been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford, joined the champions-elect in the summer or when his deal expires in 2014.

"I have heard that Lewandowski and his management have already reached an agreement with Bayern," Matthaus said.

"His contract runs out in 2014. Dortmund could cash in on him in 2013. They would get a high fee - I have overheard something like €25 million to €30 million - or he could join Bayern on a free in 2014."

But Hoeness dismissed the claims and told Abendzeitung: "If Lothar confirms this, then soon he will be the general manager at Bayern."

Speaking to Sport 1 soon afterwards, he said: "Matthaus has become active again in recent months. It was always with women - but now he's suddenly discussing new players at Bayern."

Matthaus, however, defended his claims and told Sky: "Uli Hoeness also knows I have been in the business for 30 years now. I have good contacts, not only domestically but also internationally. A reliable source - one who would know - told me that Lewandowski will join Bayern.

"If you have such information - and in this case I am no coach, but a pundit - I have the duty to pass this information on. If I am wrong, I will apologise to Uli Hoeness."

Matthaus also claimed Germany international Mario Gomez would have no future at Bayern under Pep Guardiola, who takes over in the summer.

"He [Lewandowski] is a player who, I believe, fits into the Guardiola system more than Gomez," he said. "Against Leverkusen last week, he showed Guardiola how you not only play up front but also open the game from midfield."

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