Daily Schmankerl: Bjorn Kuipers appointed to referee Bayern vs. Real; Paulinho on the radar; and more!

Bjorn Kuipers to referee Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid (Marca)

A subject that many were interested in, Dutchman Bjorn Kuipers will be the head official for Bayern and Real’s Champions League tilt.

Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers will take charge of the Champions League semi final between Bayern and Real Madrid on Wednesday. He officiated the final in Lisbon when Real beat Atletico Madrid in the final to win their tenth European crown. Kuipers has been an international referee since 2006 and will be at the World Cup in Russia.

Good or bad, who knows? Maybe it is a good sign that this happened the last time Kuipers was in charge for a Champions League game involving Robert Lewandowski.

Thomas Müller breaks down Real Madrid (Kicker)

Müller has been down this road before with Real Madrid and understands that confidence is key.

We know what qualities Madrid has, we definitely have to go forward, we have to score goals and we definitely want to take advantage of the weaknesses that Real (displayed in the) Turin loss. That is, they are also vulnerable, we go into the game with a broad chest.

Bayern Munich is a front runner to sign Brazilian teen Paulinho (One Football)

Another day, another young Brazilian that is linked to Bayern Munich.

Bayern Munich are reportedly set to launch a move for Brazilian wonderkid Paulinho after his recent star turns in the Copa Libertadores. The 17-year-old has been superb for Vasco da Gama in his first season as a professional, recently scoring and assisting two goals apiece in the South American equivalent of the Champions League. A whole host of top-level European clubs are thought to be in the reckoning for his signature, but Globo Esporte insist that it’s the Bundesliga champions who are at the front of the queue. They believe that the Bavarians will make a move this summer, with the young forward thought to have a release clause of €30m in his contract. It’s reported that the Rio-based side would accept a fee of €20m, but would ask for Paulinho to return to the club on loan for the next two seasons.

With no new noise on Malcom, perhaps Die Roten has shifted its Brazilian focus to Paulinho.

Our own John N. Dillon hit the “airwaves” to give his breakdown of Bayern vs. Los Blancos (ManagingMadrid.com)

ICYMI, our own John N. Dillon joined our friends from Managing Madrid to cover the upcoming Champions League contest with Real Madrid.

More Mai: A strong debut gave Mai’s agent some ideas (Bild)

However, Mai advisor Thies Bliemeister (40) says: “For us, the most important thing is that Lukas gets missions, and those who can offer him that will eventually win the bid.” When the U19 captain’s contract expires, he could switch to HSV. Wolfsburg is also interested.

As for Jupp Heynckes, he liked what he saw from Mai.

I’m very satisfied, which impressed me, that he plays so calmly, factually, he is good in the air, has a good opening and I told him he can make mistakes, but he has none made!

Ending some speculation, Jonas Hector will remain with FC Koln (DW Sports)

Hector, who was rumored to be a target of Bayern this offseason, has decided to remain with FC Koln, which appears destined for relegation. Hector’s new deal will run through the 2023 season.