Manchester United join Barcelona and Chelsea in summer transfer race after Darwin Nunez blow

After missing out on a deal for Darwin Nunez, Manchester United are set to join Barcelona and Chelsea in the fight to sign Robert Lewandowski.

Erik ten Hag, the new manager of the Red Devils, is looking to enhance his attacking options this summer and has identified Uruguayan sensation Nunez as a key target. Nunez, who scored 34 goals in 41 games for Benfica last season, is close to signing an £85 million deal with Liverpool.

United are now considering other options, according to The Sun, and have surfaced as potential bidders for Lewandowski, the Polish icon. Lewandowski has acknowledged that he is desperate to leave Bayern Munich this summer and has expressed his desire to join Barcelona.

The 33-year-old has had tremendous success at Bayern Munich, scoring 344 goals in 375 appearances and assisting the team to eight Bundesliga crowns, but he is looking for a new challenge.

However, a move to Barcelona is not guaranteed because the La Liga club, which is still in financial trouble, will have to sell players to generate the finances needed to sign Lewandowski.

They might earn roughly £80 million for Frenkie de Jong, although they turned down Manchester United’s first bid earlier this week. If Lewandowski becomes impatient or a move to Barcelona appears unlikely, United will reportedly jump at the chance to sign him in a deal akin to Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford last summer.

Chelsea, United’s Premier League opponents, are also interested in signing Lewandowski as they prepare for the likely departure of Romelu Lukaku. Last season, the Belgian struggled and wants to return to Inter Milan.

‘After everything that has happened in the last few months, I can’t see any more positive cooperation.’ I understand that a move is the best option for both parties.’

This Monday, he underlined his desire to quit Bayern, saying, ‘I simply want to leave Bayern.’ Work is less important than loyalty and respect. The greatest way is to work together to find a solution. Something in me has died, and I’d like to leave Bayern in search of more emotions in my life. ‘At the end of last month, Lewandowski reaffirmed his desire to quit Bayern Munich, saying: ‘One thing is certain today, my journey with Bayern is over.’