Chicago Fire are exploring a potential deal to sign Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski on a free transfer next summer (Mundo Deportivo).
Sporting director Gregg Berhalter met with the Polish international and his agent, Pini Zahavi, in a hotel in Barcelona to discuss a potential move last Sunday.
Lewandowski’s future has been the subject of constant speculation, with his contract at Barca expiring at the end of the season.
His form and fitness levels have dipped this season, leading to speculation that Barca want to part ways with him and recruit his long-term successor in the summer transfer window.
The striker has not given up hope of staying with the club. He is willing to take a significant pay cut and settle for a secondary role in a bid to prolong his contract for another season.
Clubs in the Saudi Pro League, Major League Soccer, Premier League and Serie A are monitoring the former Bayern Munich star’s situation.
Losing a striker of his quality could be a considerable loss for Barca, but his wages remain a sticking point.
However, the Catalan giants could be presented with an alternative to keep Lewandowski without hurting their financial conditions.
La Liga are planning to introduce a wild-cald contract renewal for clubs, allowing the Spanish teams to extend a player’s contract without financial limitations.
Lewandowski’s form between now and the end of the season will be a key factor in deciding his future at Barca.
Ferran Torres has apparently eclipsed him in the pecking order, bagging 13 goals in all competitions.
Lewandowski has netted eight goals in 12 La Liga games, but he has struggled in the Champions League.
Barca are also monitoring Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez as a target for next summer.
