Daily Schmankerl: Bayern talking to Martial; Leon Goretzka and Niko Kovač official; ManU wants Kroos; and MORE!

Bayern Munich quietly talking with Martial’s people (Daily Star)

It’s vague, but it’s allegedly a Daily Star exclusive: Bayern Munich supposedly are negotiating with Manchester United. That’s the latest news in the ongoing Martial Saga. Paris Saint-Germaine and Juventus have also been courting the star, as well as Tottenham, although the latter seems to be out, since they will not meet United’s asking price. Whether Bayern Munich would do so — the Star put his value at £70 million — seems rather unlikely.

Martial’s agent had this to say:

After thinking about all the factors and possibilities, Anthony wants to leave Manchester United. There are lots of factors, and right now it’s too early to talk about them. Manchester United want Anthony to extend his deal and do not want him to leave but we have not reached an agreement for several months.

Ah, but wait: Sport Bild’s beat reporter Christian Falk says “nein”:

Leon Goretzka and Niko Kovač are officially official! (@FCBayernEN)

It’s July 1, so both Leon Goretzka and Niko Kovač now belong to Bayern Munich.

Now Goretzka can practice Partnergymnastik with Niklas Süle every day!

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Toni Kroos is coveted by...guess who? Manchester United (Manchester Evening News)

Despite Germany’s World Cup flame out, Toni Kroos has been added to the extensive list of players wanted by the Red Devils.

Manchester United have held talks to sign Toni Kroos in the summer transfer window, according to reports in Spain. AS suggest Jose Mourinho have recently spoken with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to discuss the possibility of signing the Real Madrid midfielder this summer. According to the report, United are keen to recruit the German international in the coming months but would face difficulty trying to lure him out of the Spanish club.

Real Madrid are not keen to sell the 28-year-old this summer and remain adamant he will only leave the club if United manage to match his eye-watering release clause, claims the article. Kroos still has four years remaining on his current deal in the Spanish capital and United have reportedly been informed that they will have to cough up €500m if they are to trigger his release.

Kroos is a keystone to Real Madrid’s style of play and at €500m, any club would be hard-pressed (or crazy enough) to make a move at that price or really anything north of €100m.

Real Madrid changes Pole position (Calciomercato)

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Just imagine, we may only be a few short weeks from this circus being over...

According to the latest reports this morning from La Repubblica, Bayern Munich and Poland superstar Robert Lewandowski wants a move to Real Madrid. However, the 29-year-old has been reportedly rejected by Real Madrid owner Florentino Perez; which will come as some surprise after reports linked Madrid as favourites in recent weeks.

The most hilarious part of that excerpt was “latest reports”; as if this saga hasn’t been going on for MONTHS. It’s hard to think that Los Blancos won’t make an “all-in” move for Harry Kane if they are looking to poach a striker this transfer window.

Digne to Bayern rumors heat back up (Calciomercato)

This likely won’t excite you.

Lucas Digne wants to leave Barcelona. Mundo Deportivo writes that the French left-back has been disappointed by the lack of space and the missed call-up to the World Cup. On the former PSG and Roma player there are two clubs: Juventus, who spoke with intermediaries, ready to begin a decisive assault if they are to part ways with Alex Sandro, and Bayern Munich, ready to offer 17 million euros if they were to lose Juan Bernat.

In the grand scheme, €17m isn’t going to break Bayern’s bank account, but I’d still prefer to use Sebastian Rudy in a utility role as a backup outside back and also use Rafinha’s versatility to shift between either of the outside back positions. I’m not “anti-” acquiring another outside back, but I don’t know if that will make or break the season and that €17m could be better used elsewhere.

Bayern selling Schweinsteiger jerseys again! (AZ)

Hot item indeed! The merchandise anticipates Bastian Schweinsteiger’s return to the Allianz Arena for a friendly match against the Chicago Fire on August 28. Basti will play one half for the Fire, and the other for Bayern. But why not sell Schweinsteiger jerseys anyway?

The FC Bayern Frauen know how to have fun at the pool (@FCBfrauen)

These ladies can’t get enough of soccer...even with a pool right in front of them.

We thought this Getty photograph should be public knowledge

Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images