Robert Lewandowski ... sets tongues wagging after his superb solo effort against Real Madrid. Source: John MacDougall / AFP
Before his four goals against Real Madrid you might not have heard of Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski.
The big clubs in Europe certainly have, with recently-crowned Barclays Premier League champions Manchester United - who have former Dortmund midfielder Shinji Kagawa on their books - a long-time fan of the Polish striker.
Lewandowski's record-setting effort against the Spanish giants in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final will have caught the attention of a whole host of the world's biggest clubs, especially with his contract expiring at the end of 2014.
Our Paper Talk this week reported that United made a bid for the Polish striker at the end of last season, only to have his German club reject the deal, much to Lewandowski's dismay.
Now Chelsea and German rivals Bayern Munich are also reportedly interested, but Dortmund insist they would rather lose him for free than sell him to a rival.
Mega-rich Manchester City could also enter the fray, Roberto Mancini's men left to rue a lack of profligacy in front of goal this campaign as their cross-town rivals romped to the title.
But despite earlier admitting they would listen to offers, Dortmund are now insisting Lewandowski is not for sale.
"The fact is that Robert has contract till 2014," Dortmund general manager Hans-Joachim Watzke said following Thursday morning's (EST) win.
"We want Robert to play next year in Dortmund, for this we waive a transfer fee.
"We have a good relationship and the transfer fee does not matter."
The player himself wasn't giving anything away on his future.
"I concentrate on Borussia," he told reporters.
"We have important games in Champions League and Bundesliga, we have to see what happens then."
"We have taken only the first step, but of course we are happy," Lewandowski.
"I am pleased with the four goals, but now we want to reach the final."
While Dortmund are talking tough over the striker, a big-money offer for him might just be enough to tempt their hand as Europe's big guns prepare to enter silly season.
Re-live Lewandowski's fabulous four goals against Real Madrid in the video at the top of this page.
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