Lewandowski could invoke little-known Fifa rule and leave Bayern for £20m in transfer boost for Chelsea and Barcelona

ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI could leave Bayern Munich for as little as £20million if he invokes a rarely-implemented FIFA rule.

The prolific Poland international is keen to leave the German champions this summer after eight seasons at the Allianz Arena.



Bayern are said to want to sell Lewandowski, 33, for £27m but could, according to BILD, be forced to accept significantly less than their asking price due to the 'Webster Rule'.

The rule permits players over the age of 28 to buy themselves out of their contracts so long as they're at least two years into their deal.

Lewandowski's current contract with the Bavarians is set to expire next summer and is reportedly worth £20m.

The loophole in article 17 of FIFA's Regulations was dubbed the 'Webster Rule' following Andy Webster's move from Hearts to Wigan in 2006.

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Webster used the flaw in the rule to buy himself out of his deal at Tynecastle, although he did give the Jambos significant notice and agreed to join a foreign club.

The news of a potentially cut-price fee for Lewandowski will be music to the ears of Barcelona and Chelsea.

Barca boss Xavi recently confirmed the club's interest in acquiring the striker's services, saying: "Lewandowski is an option.

"He has already said he wants to leave, there are negotiations, but he still has a contract at his club.

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"It won't be easy, being Bayern, but it's an option."

Premier League big boys Chelsea are also said to hold an interest in signing the hitman – who could potentially replace wantaway striker Romelu Lukaku.

Lewandowski teased a summer departure after Bayern's 2-2 draw with Wolfsburg last month by revealing he would not pen a new deal with the club.

But the former Borussia Dortmund man confirmed his intention to leave earlier this week, saying: "One thing is certain today — my story with Bayern is over.

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"After everything that has happened in recent months, I cannot imagine further good cooperation.

"I realise a transfer will be the best solution for both sides."

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