Robert Lewandowski will be leaving Borussia Dortmund within the next 18 months after turning down the club’s offer of a new contract, according to Dortmund’s director of sport Michael Zorc.
Lewandowski, who has been strongly linked with a move to Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich, is tied to the Westphalian club until 2014 but Zorc told Germany’s Sky television that he will not be signing a new deal.
The player’s agent has informed Zorc that his client has no intention of staying on, meaning the only question is when the Poland international will leave Dortmund.
“Either he goes in June, or he stays another year,” said Zorc.
Foster ponders England return
West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster could be on the verge of an international comeback after a two-year absence from the England squad, Press Asso-ciation Sport has reported.
Foster announced towards the end of the 2010/2011 campaign, when a Birmingham player, that he was no longer available for his country for the foreseeable future because of injury problems.
England coach Roy Hodgson has sounded out Foster about a possible return, however, and is believed to have received a positive response.
It is understood Foster is in contention to return for this month’s World Cup qualifiers in San Marino and Montenegro.
Man. United to play in Bangkok
Manchester United will open their 2013 summer tour in Thailand.
United confirmed yesterday that they will take on the Singha All Star XI at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on July 13.
It will be United’s fifth visit to the country, but their first in 12 years.
The club have previously announced matches in Sydney, Tokyo, Osaka and Hong Kong.
Manchester United chief executive David Gill said: “Our visit to Thailand in July plays an important role in the team’s pre-season preparations.
“It also enables the club to engage with some of its global fans and commercial partners.”
El Shaarawy pens new Milan deal
Milan striker Stephan El Shaarawy has committed his future to the Serie A giants after signing a one-year contract extension.
The 20-year-old, who has scored 18 goals in all competitions this season, will remain with the Rossoneri until June 30, 2018.
A statement on acmilan.com read: “Stephan El Shaarawy and Milan have prolonged their professional relationship with a signature that arrived today.”
The January arrival of Mario Balotelli has seen El Shaarawy take a more auxiliary role in attack but his goal in Sunday's Milan derby ensured a point from a 1-1 draw with Inter.
Gattuso enjoys winning debut
Gennaro Gattuso enjoyed a winning debut as player-manager after Sion secured a 2-0 victory away to Lausanne.
The 35-year-old former Milan and Italy international mid-fielder was named player-manager this week after Victor Munoz was relieved of his duties by the Swiss club.
Gattuso’s debut saw his side pull off a 2-0 win in Lausanne to advance to the Swiss Cup semi-finals.
The fiery midfielder effected three substitutions from the pitch, including himself four minutes from time.
Czech Vydra attracts interest
Udinese youngster Matej Vydra is on the radar of Juventus and Manchester City following his good performances on loan at Watford, according to Goal.com.
The 20-year-old striker is having an excellent season with the Championship side, scoring 20 goals in 29 league appear-ances.
Manchester City have been scouting Vydra for several weeks while Serie A champions Juve-ntus have been similarly im-pressed with the forward’s scoring form.
Udinese are reportedly ban-king on Vydra for next season but they may be tempted to sell with the player’s agent recently claiming that five Premier League clubs have already declared an interest in the striker.
Lennon furious after poor display
A ‘raging’ Neil Lennon has warned some of his players they were in danger of being shipped out of Celtic Park following their attitude in the 2-1 defeat at Motherwell on Wednesday.
The Celtic manager described his side’s attacking display as “insipid”.
When asked whether there was a lack of hunger among his players because they feel the SPL title is already won, Lennon said: “If that’s the case they won’t play here again. They can find another club and I’ll play the kids.
“If they waste any game at this club and I detect that in their play, which was apparent in some cases, then it gives me a lot to think about.”