BAYERN WEIGH UP POSSIBLE MOVE FOR AJAX STAR STRIKER HALLER

Bayern Munich 'could move for Ajax striker Sebastien Haller' as they seek out potential replacements for Robert Lewandowski this summer. Even though Bayern are adamant prolific Polish forward Lewandowski isn't for sale this summer, that hasn't stopped them scoping out possible successors. And the Ajax and Ivory Coast hotshot Haller, who would be available for around £33.5million, has emerged as a possible replacement.

Haller, formerly of West Ham and with previous Bundesliga experience from his time at Eintracht Frankfurt, has netted 33 times in 39 matches for the Dutch club this season. He is the leading goalscorer in the Eredivisie with 20 league goals as Erik ten Hag's side close in on another title. German newspaper Bild have reported that Bayern have contacted Haller's agents and that the player's wage demands are in the region of £8.4m per season.

Haller would represent an affordable option for the just-crowned Bundesliga champions but he would have big shoes to fill if Lewandowski leaves. The 33-year-old has scored 48 times in 43 matches during another sensational season and has 342 in 372 appearances overall for Bayern. Lewandowski is the top scorer in the Bundesliga this season with 33 goals and Bayern secured a 10th consecutive title when they beat Borussia Dortmund 3-1 at the weekend.

Haller, 27, has got his career back on track at Ajax after failing to make much of an impression in the Premier League during a season-and-a-half with West Ham. With Ten Hag leaving the Amsterdam club to become Manchester United's next manager, there could well be a number of high profile player departures. Ivory Coast international Haller, 27, has played previously in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Bayern's sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic insisted at the weekend that Lewandowski, who has been linked with Barcelona, is not for sale this summer and will see out the final year of his contract.