Daily Schmankerl: Mats Hummels’ agent disputes rumors; James Rodriguez is presently “happy”; a Lucas Hernandez update; and MORE!

Mats Hummels’ agent scoffs at Premier League rumors (Metro)

Marc Kosicke is the agent for Mats Hummels and he was not amused with the rumblings that his client was thinking about a move to Chelsea or Tottenham Hotspur.

This news is a classic hoax. I can absolutely deny it.

Jerome Boateng is expected to be healthy for tomorrow, but Hummels still could be called back into action against a very dangerous Eintracht Frankfurt side. Hummels did an admirable job against RB Leipzig in his last outing (despite the hot takes spewing from the FOX broadcast...clearly the broadcast team was watching other FOX shows like that dumb one with Skip Bayless to churn out such scorching hot takes).

James is only thinking about Bayern...presently (Four Four Two)

I sometimes get dinged for reading too much into comments, so you take a run.

My present is with Bayern Munich, I have a contract with them until June. I’m fine there, I’m calm. In June we will see what happens but right now I am only thinking about Bayern. I’m recovering well and I’m really looking forward to start the year.

James also touched on the alleged rift he has with Niko Kovač.

Bayern have a healthy squad that are good [together], and there is no issue at all with Kovač.

My stance hasn’t changed...James wants out, but is savvy enough to not say it at this juncture as it would only do damage to his image. The statement above, however, is a little more pointed than his previous comments on his contract status, as he uses terms like “present” and “right now.”

Atletico Madrid not phased by Bayern pursuit of Lucas Hernandez (Football Espana)

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone is rolling with the punches as one of his star players has been linked with a move to Bayern.

It’s normal for Bayern Munich to want to pay the release clause. It’s normal for Bayern to look for good players. I’m always optimistic about these situation and Lucas knows the affection we have for him. Bayern will always look to sign very good players but this will be his decision and we are hopeful that the player decides to remain here. I cannot talk about assumptions or predictions, pages can be filled, but things have not happened but it is clear where I stand and where the club stand.

The report also states that the release clause would be allegedly be €85M (though we have seen other reports suggesting it could be as high as €91M) and that Hernandez would conceivably sign a four-year deal if he moves on.

78% of Liverpool fans are happy to face Bayern Munich (Transfer Tavern)

So now we know how many Liverpool fans read Ineednoname’s piece.

Despite Munich’s European pedigree, nothing seems to intimidate Liverpool and their fans at the moment, with 78% happy to face the side from south Germany. Given The Reds’ run in the Champions League last season, as well as their rampant form in the Premier League this season, it is no surprise really that these fans are confident. Then again, despite Munich’s slightly erratic form so far this season, they should certainly not be written off.

What’s really in the cup bear? (@FCBayernUS)

Looking for some weekly Bundesliga predictions? I’ve got you covered (The Barrel)

If you are looking to kill some time this morning and want a brief preview on each Bundesliga match (along with some predictions that will most likely go up in flames quickly), I’ve got you covered here.