Daily Schmankerl: Bayern bidding on Cristiano Ronaldo and Ivan Rakitic; Pep wants Pavard; and MORE!

Bayern Munich throws its hat in the ring for Cristiano Ronaldo (Calcio Mercato)

Just when you thought you had seen it all, Bayern Munich may be counting on the allure of Lederhosen — and a ton of cash — to bring CR7 to Munich.

According to the latest reports from Spanish web-portal Fichajes.net, Juventus may face some competition in their pursuit of the deal of the century for Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo. Juventus are thought to be in pole position as they look to wrap up a deal with Real Madrid for the Ballon D’Or winner, with the player having reportedly agreed terms with the Old Lady; and only a fee is left to be agreed between Madrid and Juventus. However, Fichajes.net are reporting that Juventus will face competition for the Portuguese forward; from German champions Bayern Munich, as well as Premier League rivals Manchester United and Manchester City. All of the clubs look to take advantage of Ronaldo’s reduced price, with a possible bidding war set to erupt. It would appear as though the player favours a move to Turin; however, the threat of three world class teams will possibly frighten Juventus.

Robert Lewandowski may get his wish to play with Ronaldo after all; that is unless Bayern then sells RL9 to make room for CR7. The biggest question I have is whether or not Franck Ribery will give up his number?

The raid on La Liga continues! Ivan Rakitic is next on the Bayern’s Most Wanted List (Don BaLOLon)

In addition to trying to secure the services of Ronaldo, Bayern is on a mission to add MORE MIDFIELDERS! Unfortunately, Ronaldo’s soon to be former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric (?!?) rejected an €80 million offer to join fellow Croat Niko Kovac in Munich.

Like a drunk tourist in a Zagreb night club, however, you don’t just just quit after one Croat rejection! Bayern has moved on to Barcelona’s resident midfield maestro, Ivan Rakitic.

Alongside Luka Modric, the Barça midfielder is dominating the midfield of all his matches and twice has been the decisive shooter in the penalty shootouts, appearing on most covers in the international press. Because of that and, in part, because of the rejection they received from Luka Modric, who rejected the same proposal a month ago, Bayern Munich has contacted Ivan Rakitic’s agent of to offer him €9 million for the next four seasons, and they would pay FC Barcelona €80 million for signing him, an offer that Barça might think appropriate given the surplus of midfielders in the squad.

Possible transfer analysis

If there were a couple players that Bayern absolutely needed, it was another prima donna forward and an additional central midfielder. That said, we will TAKE THEM ALL.

Manchester City might make a big move for France defender Benjamin Pavard (Manchester Evening News)

Some reports have made it seem as if Benjamin Pavard to Bayern is a done deal; but enter Pep Guardiola to say, “au contraire mon frère.” We covered a bit on Bayern’s interest in Pavard, but Pep may not want to wait for VfB Stuttgart’s €35 million release clause in 2019. Knowing the money a Premier League power like Manchester City has to throw around, it’s not inconceivable Pep urges his bosses to make Stuttgart a €50 million offer this summer that Die Schwaben can’t refuse.

France breakthrough star Benjamin Pavard has attracted the attention of Manchester City with his World Cup performances, according to reports in Germany. Stuttgart, who bought the defender from Lille in 2016, have interest from City, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, the Suddeutsche Zeitung reports. Pavard is principally a centre-back but can also play on the right of defence and versatility is needed for Pep Guardiola’s sides.

FC Barcelona may no longer be pursuing Thiago Alcantara (Münchner Merkur)

Bayern’s alleged asking price on Thiago (€70 million) might just be scaring off some teams, including the club that was believed to be the primary suitor.

Thiago and FC Barcelona - a reunion is increasingly unlikely. After the Sport Bild reported last week that the Catalans where have no interest in 27-year-old, now reported the newspaper Mundo Deportivo, that Barca has taken some distance on a recall campaign. Reason should also be a standing in the space transfer fee of 70 million euros.

The paper also mentions names that the Spanish champion would prefer to the prodigal son: Adrien Rabiot (Paris Saint-Germain), Willian (Chelsea FC) and Frenkie de Jong (Ajax Amsterdam). The favorite is to be Rabiot, who has been reluctant to extend his 2019 expiring contract with PSG for months. Willian, on the other hand, is in the sights of Manchester United and De Jong, at only 21, would be a bit too young for the star ensemble from Barcelona.

The fact remains, Bayern has too many midfielders, plus, you know, Rakitic is coming and all. Real Madrid and Manchester City appear to be still taking a glancing view at Thiago, but no concrete offers have emerged.

Bayern youth teams experiencing some success (FCBayern.com)

Among many strong showings over the weekend, the Bayern U9 squad swept through its competition.

The U9 of Bayern last weekend was twice as successful. On Saturday, the team of coach Christian Hufnagel first prevailed in Dornach. The FCB get eight wins in eight games with a goal difference of 19:0. Also on Sunday, the Munich cheered at a U10 tournament in Allach, the first place. Bayern remained unbeaten and were able to prove their playful class especially in the semifinal against Peinting (4: 1) and in the final against Attaching (3: 0).

For a complete youth roundup, take a look on FCBayern.com.

Ski jumper Andreas Wellinger will accompany Bayern to on the International Champions Cup tour (Münchner Merkur)

It seems completely random to bring a ski jumper to Philadelphia and Miami during the summer, but okay, the guy seems happy to be a part of it!

Munich ski jumper Andreas Wellinger announced, the football champion on his trip to America from 23.-30. To accompany July. “This will be my summer highlight,” wrote the 22-year-old Bayern fan and two-time Olympic champion on Facebook at the weekend.

Ralf Rangnick to take over as RB Leipzig boss (@RBLeipzig_EN)

In a move that has been expected for a bit, Ralf Rangnick will take over RB Leipzig.