Daily Schmankerl: Ajax to block a move for ten Hag?; Ancelotti wants James at Everton; Weigl to Benfica; and MORE!

Ajax could refuse to let ten Hag go to Bayern this summer (kicker)

Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag is rumored to be at the top of the list of managerial candidates for Bayern Munich this summer. All this time it was assumed that whoever comes calling for the Dutchman this summer would get him, no-prob. Now, Ajax sporting director Marc Overmars has thrown a wrench in that line of thinking, saying:

I’m sure I won’t let him go, even though I know that big European top clubs have him on the slip.

It’s impossible to know how much of this is the truth, and how much is a ploy to start driving up the inevitable release fee. Bayern won’t be the only club interested of course, with Barcelona also likely to be looking for new coach next summer. If Overmars wants a big pay-day, then taking a hardline stance wouldn’t be the worst course of action for him.

Ancelotti wants James Rodriguez at Everton (Daily Mail)

Where have we heard this one before? Ancelotti signs for a new club, and James is immediately linked with them. Since leaving Bayern, the Colombian has once again found himself languishing on the bench for Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid, and will probably want to move on in the summer.

The Spaniards are said to value him at £43m, which is rather steep for a 28 year old attacking midfielder who will have only one year left on his contract next summer. But EPL clubs have more money than sense, so maybe it’s plausible that they’ll get what they want.

Julian Weigl is on the verge of joining SL Benfica (WAZ)

According to German publication WAZ, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Weigl is on the verge of joining Portuguese side SL Benfica. Ever since Thomas Tuchel was fired, Weigl has found himself a tactical misfit at BVB, regularly moved around or benched by subsequent managers. While he’s played a significant role so far this season, it seems that the 24 year old is finally ready to move on.

Though it’s strange that he would choose to go to Portugal rather than sign for another German club (or a team in the top 5 leagues). Maybe the money from the transfer will help cover Dortmund’s Haaland expenses.

Jerome Boateng working hard

Say goodbye to 2019!