Daily Schmankerl: Rebić opening eyes; Bernat to join Ronaldo?; and MORE!

Ante Rebić is getting more popular (Multiple Reports)

With his burst on to the scene that started in the Bundelsiga last season, Ante Rebić is gaining quite the list of potential suitors, which includes Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and, of course, Manchester United.

CalcioMercato captured some of the teams taking a gander at Rebić.

The Croatia star has done very well with his country, his goal against Argentina and tireless work ethic allowing the ex-Yugoslav republic to make its way to the World Cup semifinals. And it now appears that Manchester United and Arsenal are also in the race to sign the former Fiorentina winger. He is also liked by Tottenham, who expressed an interested a few weeks ago.

The writers of the report, Sport Bild have claimed, however, that Bayern Munich are in pole position. The Eintracht man netted nine goals for the Bundesliga side last season, and is reportedly very much liked by Niko Kovač, who was in Frankfurt with him and has now moved… to Bayern!

The encouraging thing is that Rebić seems to really want a reunion with Kovač, but can Bayern make that happen? At least one more ex-Bayern player thinks it should as Bild captured a quote from Ivica Olić.

Niko has lifted Ante to the stage. He is one for Bavaria. I would be happy to see a Croatian coach playing again for a Croatian coach.

AZ also noted that the fee for Rebić could be upwards of €50M.

Quick Croatia-England commentary (Bavarian Football Works)

Croatia’s phenomenal 2-1 win over England was a tremendous game for the Croats and not just because they advanced to the final. The amount of heart that Croatia has played with is among the chief reasons that has made this World Cup special. After falling behind early and overcoming weary legs, Croatia simply battled and willed its way to that victory.

Huge credit to coach Zlatko Dalić for being able to draw the inspiration from a team that has endured so many grueling matches over the past two weeks. The rugged, yet dynamic, play of Luka Modrić, Ivan Rakitić, Ivan Perišić, Mario Mandžukić, Danijel Subašić, Domagoj Vida, Dejan Lovren, and Rebić among others will surely never be forgotten in Croatia regardless of what happens on Sunday against France.

Modrić and Rakitić have especially shown their class and, for once, have not been overshadowed by their current and former club teammates; a couple of somewhat famous guys in Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi.

Juan Bernat targeted by Juventus to join Ronaldo (CalcioMercato)

One of the players who has been rumored to be on the way out of Munich is Juan Bernat. Now it appears at least one power club is interested in the Spanish left back. You know, the one that wears black and white and has Ronaldo?

CalcioMercato exclusively understand that Serie A giants have established contact with Bayern Munich left-back Juan Bernat in an attempt to replace Alex Sandro. Bernat joined Bayern from Valencia in the summer of 2014 under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, after the exit of who Bernat fell out of favor. Last season, Bernat appeared 11 times in the Bundesliga, assisting twice.

CalcioMercato understand that Juventus have made contact for Bernat in an attempt to replace Alex Sandro, who has drawn links with moves to Manchester and Paris Saint-Germain this summer. Bernat is expected to cost about 10 to 15 million euros, with his contract at the club expiring in the summer of 2019. Juventus feel that Bernat is a very viable option and lies in the same price bracket as Matteo Darmian. The club’s excellent relations with Bayern Munich could help them secure a possible deal.

Speaking of Juventus...

Ronaldo’s move to Juventus sparks strike by Fiat workers (ESPN.com)

Wondering if there was any fallout from Ronaldo’s signing with Juventus?

An Italian trade union has announced that Fiat workers in the southern town of Melfi will go on strike over Cristiano Ronaldo’s €100 million move to Juventus. When news first broke of the potential transfer, Fiat workers had threatened to take action against their employers. The car manufacturer Fiat, to which the brand Ferrari exclusively belongs, is reportedly 29.1 percent owned by the Agnelli family, which also has 63.77 percent of Juventus. And that has now become a reality with Unione Sindicale di Base releasing a statement, which announced strike action would take place from the evening of July 15 until the morning of July 17.

Ouch! Probably not what you expected, eh? The union put out a statement as well to clarify why they are irate.

It is unacceptable that, while for years you have continued to ask FCA [Fiat Chrysler Automobiles] and CNHI [Case and New Holland Industrial] workers to make enormous sacrifices on an economic level, the company spends hundreds of millions of euros on the purchase of a footballer. We are told that times are tough and that we must resort to social safety nets in anticipation of the launch of new models which never arrive. And, while the workers and their families tighten up the belts more and more the company decides to invest on a human resource for so much money. Is all of this right? Is it right that one single person can earn millions and yet thousands of families don’t even get to the middle of the month?

James Rodriguez is 27 years old today (@Bundesliga_EN)

The Bundesliga put together a nice little video for James to celebrate his 27th birthday.

FC Bayern Frauen player Simone Laudehr is also celebrating (@FCBfrauen)

Not to be outdone by James, Simone Laudehr has turned 32 for the Frauen!