Daily Schmankerl: Bayern scoping Antoine Griezmann? Plus transfer news on Federico Chiesa, Nicolo Zaniolo, Hakim Ziyech; Julian Brandt, Nicolas Pepe, and Matthijs de Ligt!

Bayern to bid on Griezmann? LOL (SportsMole and Don Balon)

Citing “reports out of Spain”, SportsMole has a story that states that Bayern Munich is looking to activate Antoine Griezmann release clause from Atletico Madrid. The cost for such a move is roughly €231m, which would seem to be extremely high for any club, especially the financially conservative front office of Bayern.

Per the report, however, there is a possibility that the release clause will drop to €149m in July, which still seems a bit outrageous for a club like Bayern.

Bayern Munich are reportedly prepared to activate the release clause of Atletico Madrid attacker Antoine Griezmann in this summer’s transfer window. The 28-year-old is enjoying another productive season at Atletico, finding the back of the net on 20 occasions in 43 appearances in all competitions. Griezmann’s current release clause stands at £200m, but it is understood that the figure will drop to £129m at the start of July.

According to reports in Spain, Bayern are preparing to spend big in this summer’s transfer window and that will include activating Griezmann’s buy-out figure in a bid to bring the Frenchman to Germany.

Before you get too excited, however, I did some additional digging and one of those “reliable” reports out of Spain is none other than Don Balon.

A team that is well seen by the Bavarians is Atletico Madrid, where they have already hired Lucas Hernandez for 80 million euros, apparently this would not be the only mattress player on the agenda, as they would bet on Antoine Griezmann as star.

The dominators of the Bundesliga would pay the French attacker’s clause as they did with the defender, Griezmann does not rule out his departure from the red and white team, because the project they offer is extremely ambitious. The internal problems of Atlético de Madrid and the departure of several of the institution’s flagship players, make the likelihood of departure of other referents is increased by not having guaranteed the continuity of a process.

Griezmann, who was suspended for this weekend’s Atletico Madrid game against Eibar, flew to New York to attend the NBA playoff game on Saturday between the Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers, which the Sixers won 112-108.

Juve lead in race for Italian youngsters (Calciomercato)

Bayern and Juventus are considered the primary competitors for two young stars from Italy. Unfortunately for the Bavarians, both Fiorentina’s Federico Chiesa and AS Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo, might want to stay in Italy a bit longer.

Bayern Munich are seeking reinforcements from Italy. According to what has been reported, both Federico Chiesa and Nicolo Zaniolo are wanted by the Bavarian club as they attempt to rejuvenate their squad in the upcoming transfer window. However, both players are also targets of Juventus and the Bianconeri are considered to be favorites in any race for either player’s signature - with both preferring to remain in Italy for now.

Ziyech’s list of suitors grows (The Mirror)

Ajax winger Hakim Ziyech is one of the players who has really opened some eyes during the team’s incredible Champions League run. In addition to Bayern’s interest, several Premier League sides are jumping into the mix, including Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool.

Ajax playmaker Hakim Ziyech could be heading to the Premier League — with the Morocco star available for just £25million. The 26-year-old is being watched by league leaders Manchester City — who see him as a potential replacement for contract-rebel midfielder Ilkay Gundogan — while Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool are also on his trail. German champions Bayern Munich are interested too.

In addition to those teams listed above, Chelsea, Leicester City, and Everton have also been linked to the 26-year-old.

De Ligt getting last minute attention (Football Insider)

Ajax center back Matthijs de Ligt is a burgeoning star and has seen Bayern, FC Barcelona, and Juventus following his progress closely over the past few months. Now, however, Tottenham Hotspur is making a last-ditch effort to bring in the 19-year-old.

Tottenham have registered their interest in signing Ajax sensation Matthijs de Ligt, Football Insider understands. Spurs have scouted the center-back, 19, extensively over the last three seasons since his emergence into the starting XI of the Champions League semifinalists. A club source has told Football Insider that the north Londoners have made it clear they want to sign De Ligt this summer although they fear the player has had his head turned by interest from Barcelona.

Klopp plotting moves for Pepe and Brandt? (The Guardian)

The noise surrounding a potential move to Liverpool for Bayer Leverkusen’s Julian Brandt is getting louder (especially given Brandt’s rumored low price of €25m), while Jurgen Klopp might also be pushing for Lille winger Nicolas Pepe.

ICYMI: Frauen coverage and a birthday! (@FCBfrauen)

If you miss our coverage of the UWCL semifinal match between the FC Bayern Frauen and the FC Barcelona, give it a look. Also, Frauen star Jill Roord will try to shake off the defeat and celebrate her birthday.

Old video surfaces of Sane choosing Bayern over Dortmund (@Bayern_mania)

A few months ago, ESPN asked Manchester star Leroy Sané to choose between Bayern and Borussia Dortmund. His choice from this television bit became a little more important given that it was reported on Friday that Sané could be leaving City and that the Bavarians were among the interested parties.