Daily Schmankerl [update]: James Rodriguez news; Mats Hummels back on Twitter; Berni on loan (!?!); and MORE!

Bayern not completely closing the door on sending James back to Real Madrid (Marca)

Marca has jumped back into the James transfer cauldron with a story today. If accurate (big if?), it looks like Bayern could be open to a negotiation, despite admiring the player and appreciating his performance last season.

Rodriguez’s exceptional season with Bayern Munich in 2017/18 left the German champions incredibly pleased with their loan agreement. They don’t wish to lose a player who has become pivotal to their team, although the arrival of Niko Kovac could have changed matters with the club having been linked with a summer move for Ante Rebic of Frankfurt.

Before negotiations between the two behemoths come to a real zenith, it must be ascertained just how strong Rodriguez’s desire to return is. Real Madrid believe the 27-year-old would like to return now that Zidane has left the club and Lopetegui has instructed the club to do whatever it takes to bring him back. Bayern’s Karl-Heinz Rummenigge understands the will of the player is important, and this is one of the reasons why they haven’t completely closed the option of allowing him to leave.

It’s tough to discern what - if any - validity this report has honestly. While the Marca reports are thought by some to be Real Madrid-influenced, the stories yesterday stemming from James’ family and James’ agent make the situation one to watch...closely.

Update

UPDATE (12:05 PM EST): Paco Gonzalez of Cope radio is reporting that James will not return to Real Madrid and that Bayern will decide after this season if it will purchase the Colombian.

(III) News PACO GONZÁLEZ in @tjcope: ️➡️ “JAMES will not be refished by Real Madrid. He @FCBayern has until the end of next season to decide if he pays the 40 million agreed with the white club. “

Right now, this is basically the fight scene from Anchorman with multiple news outlets reporting multiple things. Stay tuned!

Mats Hummels back on social media (@matshummels)

Yesterday Mats Hummels found himself in the middle of a social media frenzy after commenting on Niko Kovač’s Frankfurter Allgemeine column where the new Bayern coach praised Croatia center back Dejan Lovren. Today, however, Hummels returned to his normal interactions with his followers.

No one knows what Hummels meant yesterday in his tweet, but even if there was some snarkiness ingrained in it, I’d say cut the man some slack. He does far more to interact with soccer (not just Bayern) fans globally. He’s an ambassador for the sport and provides a little insight on the life of a professional athlete that most players do not like to share.

Berni loaned to FC Dallas! (@FCBayernUS)

Never one to sit idle, Berni, Bayern’s lovable, yet hard-partying mascot, was looking to increase his work rate and was subsequently sent to Dallas for some preseason training.

Despite “speculation”, there is no truth that Berni’s jaunt to Texas was a bargaining chip in negotiations as Die Roten worked to secure the loan of FC Dallas product Chris Richards.

Bayern U-17 team got off to a great start under Miroslav Klose (FCBayern.com)

The Bayern U-17 squad won its first game under Miroslav Klose while competing against U-19 competition.

Good start for the U17 of Bayern! The team of coach Miroslav Klose could decide on Saturday their first test match of the new season for themselves. In the U19 of the SpVgg GW Deggendorf, the younger team of the record champion prevailed 6:3 (2: 2). “The bottom line is we can be satisfied. We tried a lot. So far, we have worked mainly in the ball game, the boys have done well. In the coming weeks, we will also push the work against the ball,” said Klose after the game.

Philipp Skodic and Marcel Sieghardt scored the two goals for Bayern before the break. After the break, then Sandro Porta, David Halbich, Jamie Lawrence and Yannick Oberleitner shot out the 6:3-success for the Munich.

Croatia fans are EXCITED today (@FoxSports)

Okay, I admit it, I’m a huge fan of the red and white checkered jerseys.

Eintracht Frankfurt - Philadelphia Union recap (@The BarrelBlog)

Acknowledging that it was only a friendly, but Eintracht Frankfurt and the Philadelphia Union put on a nice showing last night in Chester, PA - home of the Union. The game was extremely chippy for a friendly with multiple yellow cards doled out, but the Union ultimately walked out with a 1-0 win behind a second half goal from Derrick Jones. Philadelphia’s Keegan Rosenberry almost doubled the margin, but his fantastic effort clanged off the crossbar.

For Eintracht Frankfurt, United States international Timmy Chandler did fairly well in his time on the pitch during the first half and Sebastian Haller, Nikolai Müller, and Daichi Kamada all asserted themselves nicely. It was Majit Gacinovich, however, who I’d say was the best player on the field for Die Adler.

Gacinovich came on in the second half and was a dynamo as he created offensive with his pace and footwork. Despite playing with less heralded Eintracht Frankfurt players, his second half unit controlled play and created numerous chances that just missed. Kicker provided a more extensive, Eintracht Frankfurt recap here.

All in all, a great night and experience. The Eintracht Frankfurt fans had a nice showing and the Union made it feel more like a special event than just a normal friendly. And hey, there was at least some quality Germany music on hand as well!