Daily Schmankerl: A prediction for Bayern Munich vs. FC Nurnberg; Transfer news on Ilkay Gundogan, Federico Chiesa, Jota; plus MORE!

Bayern vs. Der Club: A prediction (Bavarian Football Works)

After a mid-week thriller in the DFB-Pokal semifinal against Werder Bremen and a hard-fought win last weekend over Die Werderaner, Bayern Munich is undoubtedly ready to move from the boys in green and white and to play someone else.

Enter Der Club.

Bayern’s strong run of play in the second half of the season makes it a strong favorite today over FC Nurnberg, which is plummeting toward relegation. There is virtually no chance that Der Club will remain in the Bundesliga’s top flight next season and this may be a game which could get ugly if Bayern is motivated. In its last 24 league games, Nurnberg has just one win and seven draws, while Bayern sits at the top of the heap.

Ouch.

About the only fascinating thing for Bayern in this one is how Niko Kovac manages his subs. With Arjen Robben and Corentin Tolisso (if he is still healthy) on the bench, it seems like Kovac could have some interesting choices to make.

Prediction: Bayern Munich 5, FC Nurnberg 0

Inter, Juve, Bayern all listed as suitors for Gundogan (Calciomercato)

Manchester City midfielder and Germany international Ilkay Gundogan’s popularity seems to be growing as Bayern, Inter Milan, and Juventus are all allegedly taking a look at the 28-year-old.

Inter are interested in signing Manchester City midfield star Ilkay Gundogan although, according to Tuttosport, the Nerazzurri will face some tough competition in the summer. Inter’s Beppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio, in fact, are planning to sign the player as a free agent at the end of next season (his contract expires in June 2020).

The player’s €9 million-a-year salary is a problem for the Nerazzurri but at the end of 2019 the club will end the settlement agreement with UEFA, increasing transfer budget for transfers. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Juventus, however, have enough money in their bank to negotiate the transfer of Gundogan in the summer without waiting until the player is available as a free agent next season.

Bayer scouting Jota? (Sport Witness)

Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur are allegedly keeping a close on Benfica winger Jota.

Tottenham Hotspur are linked to the Benfica winger Jota by two different Portuguese media outlets today. One of them is newspaper Record. They say the Eagles’ negotiations for the player’s new contract have stalled, and name a couple of clubs who could be a threat to take him. Record report Tottenham and Bayern Munich are both interested in the 20-year-old, ‘following his evolution very closely’. Benfica want to give the player a pay raise, but more importantly, increase his release clause, which is only €30m and obviously attractive for big clubs.

Newspaper A Bola also have a couple of things to say. After World Soccer Magazine mentioned Jota as a big talent, they have a few paragraphs about him. A Bola says Tottenham and Bayern Munich are chasing the player, adding that they ‘follow him closely and consider the signing’.

Montella thinks Chiesa will stay (Calciomercato)

Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella checked in on the constant rumors surrounding Federico Chiesa.

Chiesa is a very strong footballer and he belongs to Fiorentina. Fiorentina have not always sold their best players, I don’t take for granted that he will leave. I believe that nobody is irreplaceable​. Players must be motivated if they decide to stay. Players can stay or leave, it all depends on who will replace them. For now, I’ve seen a great attitude. Chiesa is not 100% fit but he wants to play. The same goes for (Jordan) Veretout and (Nikola) Milenkovic, I don’t have the feeling they all want to leave.

Bundesliga results (@FOXSoccer)

Some shocking final scores from yesterday.