Daily Schmankerl: Franck Ribery talks future; Frenkie de Jong news; and MORE!

Franck Ribery talks future (UEFA.com)

Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery has had his doubters this season, but the 35-year old has turned in some solid efforts of late. When asked about the future, it does not sound like the feisty Frenchman is ready to ramp things down. In addition, Ribery honestly assessed himself and how different he is physically than he was in his youth.

I’ll carry on for as long as my body allows. I can no longer run the way I did when I was 20 but I’m still good.

In my first season we weren’t in the Champions League, we were in the UEFA Cup. Bayern were a big club back then but now it’s even bigger. It’s pleasing to see what we’ve achieved in the last ten years. I’ve done my bit to get the club where it is now, and Bayern have obviously had an influence on my development too.

The relationship between Bayern and me is special. I’ve become more German during my time here. My mentality and my family are German. We’ve really put down roots here.

If you are interested in some of Ribery’s career highlights, give the full piece a look here.

Dutch footballer Rafael van der Vaart thinks Frenkie de Jong should join Bayern Munich (Football-Oranje)

Despite those reports floating about that Frenkie de Jong is earmarked for Paris Saint-Germain, many still think the midfielder should look closely at Bayern Munich, including Rafael van der Vaart.

Rafael van der Vaart believes a move to the Bundesliga would be beneficial for Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong. Speaking to Sky Sports, Van der Vaart has advised de Jong to hold out for a move to Germany. He said, “I think he is really a type for the Bundesliga. I happen to know that he loves the Bundesliga, as he has said, often even.”

Bayern Munich is a top choice for the midfielder, “It is very good for him to stand next to someone like Thiago, and then you say: He is of a different level, I want to get there .”

The €75 million price tag isn’t an issue for Van der Vaart, “I do understand: if you have to pay such an amount, then a player has to be at the level right away, that’s the way it should be, but I prefer to see Frenkie de Jong in the Bundesliga than somewhere in France, where he once a month may play.”

Writer wants West Ham to consider a move for Renato Sanches (HITC)

No, smart alecs, that writer is not me (at least not today!), but rather Antony Martin of HITC. Martin’s argument does make sense, but it’s just hard to think Bayern would part ways with Sanches at this stage —— unless it somehow pulls a de Jong out of its hat (which still seems like it might be tough).

West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini brought nine new players into the London Stadium during the summer transfer window, but a succession of injuries have hindered his side’s progress. One particular area where the Chilean will be looking to strengthen is central midfield, with Jack Wilshere proving to be unreliable from a fitness perspective and Carlos Sanchez out with a long-term injury.

With this in mind, the Hammers should consider offering Renato Sanches an escape route from his Bayern Munich nightmare. The 21-year-old joined the Bavarian giants from Benfica in the summer of 2016, for a fee that could eventually rise to £40 million, according to BBC Sport.

Manuel Neuer highlights to warm you up (@FCBayernUS)

Oh, you said you wanted five minutes of Manuel Neuer highlights...well, here you go:

Liverpool eyeing Thorgan Hazard (Daily Star)

Jurgen Klopp can’t help himself from peeking at the Bundesliga to bolster his squad. After pilfering Naby Keita from RB Leipzig last season, Klopp is allegedly looking at Borussia Monchengladbach’s Thorgan Hazard.

The 25-year-old, brother of Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, has stepped things up a notch in the Bundesliga this season. The Belgium international has scored 11 goals and provided six assists for the German club so far this campaign, helping them to second in the table.And, according to Liga Financial, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is considering making a move to sign him in January.

Hazard, who signed for Chelsea at the same time as his brother, is said to have a release clause of £26m. The midfielder did not make an appearance for the Blues but is said to favour a move back to Stamford Bridge. Hazard has a contract with Monchengladbach until 2020, with Manchester United and Everton also said to be keen.

Interestingly, the piece also dropped a rumor on Thorgan’s more-heralded brother Eden, the well-known Chelsea man.

Elsewhere, Thorgan’s brother Eden has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain should he leave Chelsea.

Looking to catch-up on the Bundesliga action from the weekend? I’ve got you covered (The Barrel)

For a capsule-style recap of the Bundesliga’s weekend fixtures, just click here.