Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski has reportedly verbally agreed a three-year contract with Barcelona, as the Poland international looks to force a summer move.
The 33-year-old has again been in excellent form for Bayern this term, scoring 50 goals and registering seven assists in 46 appearances in all competitions.
Lewandowski's contract at Allianz Arena is due to expire next June, though, and he said on Saturday that he wants to leave Bayern this summer in search of pastures new.
Barcelona continue to be credited with an interest in the experienced forward, and according to The Times, he has already come to an agreement with the La Liga outfit over a deal.
The report claims that the Catalan side are now planning to hold talks with Bayern in the hope of convincing the German champions to let their star striker leave in the upcoming market.
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"I won't sign a new contract. We have to find the best solution for both sides. I told the club that if an offer comes in, then we have to think about it - also for the club," Lewandowski told Sky Deutschland on Saturday.
However, Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has insisted that the Poland international will not be allowed to leave this summer.
"I spoke with Lewa. In that discussion he informed me that he does not want to accept our offer to extend the contract and that he would like to leave the club," he told Sky Deutschland.
"He said he wants to do something else. But our position has not changed. The fact is he has a contract to June 30, 2023."
Meanwhile, the Bundesliga side's president Herbert Hainer recently ruled out a summer exit for Lewandowski despite the forward's desire to seek pastures new.
"Robert Lewandowski has a contract with FC Bayern until June 30, 2023. And he will fulfil it," Hainer told Sports Buzzer.
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Barcelona boss Xavi was asked about Lewandowski during a press conference on Saturday, meanwhile, and he refused to rule out a move for the striker in the upcoming market despite his age.
"I'm not going to talk about Lewandowski now. But I should remind you, I agreed to sign Dani Alves. All we care about is the professional mentality," Xavi told reporters. "Players like Zlatan [Ibrahimovic], [Luka] Modric, [Cristiano] Ronaldo, [Lionel] Messi... they are still playing at a high level. Age is not an obstacle."
Lewandowski has scored 344 goals and registered 72 assists in 374 outings since making the move to Allianz Arena from Borussia Dortmund in July 2014.
Barcelona signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ferran Torres in January to boost their attack, but there is uncertainty surrounding the futures of Ousmane Dembele, Memphis Depay, Martin Braithwaite, Luuk de Jong and Adama Traore ahead of the summer window.
Matt Law
