Bayern Munich will NOT move for Erling Haaland, says Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

Erling Haaland will not be joining Bayern Munich this summer because the Bundesliga champions already have the best striker in the world in Robert Lewandowski, said CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

Haaland, 20, is European football's most in-demand forward following his prolific exploits with Borussia Dortmund in German football and across the Champions League.

But while the road from Dortmund to Bayern is one many of Haaland's predecessors have made, Rummenigge insists the Norwegian will not be heading east while Lewandowski is at the club.

'I don't know where the rumors come from,' Rummenigge told German outlet Bild.

'I can only say one thing: we have the world's best footballer in this position. Robert Lewandowski has a contract until 2023.'

Haaland is 12 years younger than the Poland international but despite pushback, Rummenigge was adamant that Lewandowski is 'at the height' of his powers.

'As I said, world footballer Robert Lewandowski is well on the way to beating Gerd Müller's benchmark of 40 goals in a Bundesliga season,' he added.

'He is at the height of his career.'

Haaland boasts a hugely impressive 25 goals and one assist in 25 Bundesliga matches this season, and has 10 goals from six in the Champions League.

By contrast, Lewandowski has 35 goals in 25 Bundesliga games and has six assists to match.

News of Bayern's lack of interest in pursuing Haaland comes as a welcome boost to his many suitors - including Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea.

Sportsmail understands City have made him their primary target this summer with the need for a striker elevated in wake of news of Sergio Aguero's departure.

The Norway international, whose father Alfie spent three years as a player at City, is set to line up against his suitors in a Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.

Guardiola's fractious relationship with Haaland's agent Mino Raiola is not thought to have a bearing on City's pursuit. Raiola suggested on Tuesday that he has 'closed the book' on their public disagreements.

Before joining Dortmund in January 2020, Haaland and agent Raiola turned down the chance to reunite the player with his former Molde boss Ole Gunner Solskjaer at Old Trafford.

United are set to come back in for Haaland this summer but face a far tougher fight this time round.

Haaland has a £90million buyout clause but it can only be activated if the fee is paid in one instalment.