What does a Lewandowski transfer mean for Everton?

Late yesterday the news broke that Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski was reportedly unhappy with the German giants and could be looking at a move elsewhere, specifically to the Premier League.

This is a stunning development for the world of football in general, and of particular interest to Everton fans, much like the news less than a week ago that his fellow superstar Cristiano Ronaldo could be pursuing a move away from Real Madrid.

Lewandowski of course is one of the premier strikers in the sport, racking up goals in both domestic and European competitions as well as internationally for his native Poland.

So what it does mean for Everton, who have wantaway forward Romelu Lukaku on their hands?

Just to catch you up quickly, Lukaku still has two years on his Toffees contract and has refused to sign a new deal that will make him the best paid Blue in history. He has always said that he would like a move to a club that will contend for titles and play in the Champions League.

With the hefty price tag that Everton have slapped on him (anywhere from £70-100m if reports are to be believed), there appeared to be only three contenders for the Belgian - Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern.

Photo by Mark Robinson/Getty Images

United have been linked with Alvaro Morata all summer long, and now possibly Ronaldo, and even though super-agent Mino Raiola favours the move, little else has come of the links. Bayern meanwhile will have a vacancy should Lewandowski leave, but have never shelled out more than £35m for a player in their history, an amount the Bavarians just dropped on midfielder Corentin Tolisso this summer.

Which leaves Chelsea, the club that Everton bought the player from and who he’s been linked with all along. There have been plenty of rumours in recent weeks that the player has already agreed to personal terms with the Stamford Bridge side, but the two clubs are yet to agree on a transfer price.

If indeed Chelsea’s interest in Lewandowski is legitimate, then there is a very good chance that Lukaku might find himself with nowhere to leave for this summer. Everton for their part will find themselves in a win-win situation. No striker they sign over the summer transfer window will be a direct replacement for his 26 goals. And if they have to sell him at a valuation that they are happy with, then the money will go a long way towards strengthening the squad all around.

Everton continue to have the upper hand in any negotiations regarding Lukaku, meanwhile we await breathlessly to see how this saga turns out.