Daily Schmankerl: Manchester United scoping James Rodriguez; Sheffield United wants Franck Ribery; Inter Milan & Juventus eyeing Jerome Boateng; Women’s World Cup coverage; and MORE Bayern Munich news!

Red Devils making late run at James (Calciomercarto)

Former Bayern Munich midfielder James Rodriguez has been closely linked to Napoli and Juventus since ending his loan assignment in Bavaria and returning to Real Madrid. It has been speculated that James does not want to play in England, but that is not stopping Manchester United from making an inquiry.

Los Blancos want 55 million for the player, who has been linked to a Napoli move in recent days. Manchester United could take advantage of Napoli’s uncertainty to pay the demanded fee, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The Red Devils would be willing to satisfy Florentino Perez’ demands. The Real Madrid president does not want to hear about another loan deal, which was proposed by Aurelio De Laurentiis and will sell the player with this formula only in the case of the inclusion of an obligation to buy. Napoli do not want to spend that much money and will take their time to persuade the Spanish club to accept a lower offer or a right of redemption.

Ribery to the Premier League? (kicker)

Sheffield United reportedly has interest in bringing in Bayern Munich legend Franck Ribery after earning a promotion to the Premier League for this season. Ribery, however, might have a bigger club in mind.

Franck Ribery has already said goodbye to FC Bayern. But it is still not clear what will happen to the 36-year-old. For the Frenchman there are interested parties from Australia and Qatar, but both destinations are not necessarily his first choice. So it’s a good thing that he has now become a candidate for clubs in England. One of these clubs is Sheffield United, who are advancing (second place in the 2018/19 English second division behind Norwich City) and will be in the Premier League next season. But Ribery still has the ambition to get involved with a major European club. So his future remains open for the time being.

Boateng’s future could be in Serie A (Calciomercato)

Bayern center-back Jerome Boateng has drawn interest from both Inter Milan and Juventus as he prepares for the next stage of his career.

According to Bild, both Inter and Juventus are interested in Jerome Boateng. The Bayern Munich defender is said to be available for a little as 15 million euros. Last summer, Bayern coach, Niko Kovac vetoed the possible transfer of the Gemrnay defender to Paris Saint-Germain, which is said to have effectively ruined the relationship between the two. Inter and Juve could look to pounce but domestic rivals Borussia Dortmund cannot be ruled out as with a price of just 15 million euros Boateng could be a bargain.

Juve and Spurs scope alleged Bayern target Zaniolo (Transfer Market Web)

Bayern was rumored to have interest in AS Roma’s 19-year-old attacking midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, but those whispers have been silenced of late. Now, both Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur are allegedly interested in bringing in the young talent.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, (Nicolo) Zaniolo is observed not only by Juventus, but also Tottenham are interested in him, and they can decide to make an offer.

Interest in Kabak is sparking (Daily Mail)

Bayern Munich has reportedly been interested in VfB Stuttgart defender Ozan Kabak, but West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur are both allegedly in pursuit.

West Ham have made an approach for Stuttgart centre-back Ozan Kabak. The combative Turkey international has a £13.3million release clause following Stuttgart’s relegation and has interest from a number of clubs across Europe, including Tottenham and Bayern Munich. However, the 19-year-old wants to make a move to a club who are ambitious yet will still afford him regular game time and a platform to develop.

Women’s World Cup rundown (@FOXSoccer)

if you aren’t watching the Women’s World Cup, you are missing some great action. Here is yesterday’s recap from the Women’s World Cup:

• Nigeria thwarts South Korea 2-0 — 90 in 90:

• Germany outlasts Spain 1-0 — 90 in 90:

• France squeaks by Norway 2-1 after a late penalty — 90 in 90:

This Norway squad would be scary if Ada Hegerberg opted to play. Good for her for taking a stand for what she believes, but the tournament would be even better with her involved.

Give this a look (You Tube — TSN)

Former Vancouver Whitecaps star and current Bayern prospect Alphonso Davies has a tremendous backstory. Get yourself acquainted by watching this:

Was Chico’s Bail Bonds not available? (@GFFN)

Ligue 1 now has a corporate sponsorship agreement with Uber Eats and will now be known as “Ligue 1 Uber Eats.” Eats what you ask? Tell us in the comments...on second thought, please don’t.

If you are wondering what the hell Chico’s Bail Bonds is then you never saw The Bad News Bears:

Okay then...Greizmann to Barca it is (@FOXSoccer)

While nothing has been made official by either club, these words from Atletico Madrid CEO Gil Marin sure seem to indicate that a move is imminent.

Rangnick’s surprise suitor (@cfbayern)

With Julian Nagelsmann coming in to coach RB Leipzig for 2019-2020 and Markus Krösche taking over as sporting director, Ralf Rangnick is supposed to be taking a new role with the club as an overall head of sports development across all of the Red Bull teams.

A report by Bild’s Christian Falk, however, states that Chelsea might be interested in bringing in Rangnick.

The full #ThoMats Challenge video (You Tube — FC Bayern)

We gave you the heads up that a new #ThoMats Challenge was about to drop and now it’s out. This edition features Thomas Muller, Mats Hummels, and tennis star Alexander Zverez.

You know you want these (@FCBayernUS)

Guardiola denies rumors regading sabbatical and Juve (Transfer Market Web)

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola put to rest any rumors that he would like to take a year off and/or move to Juventus.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has dismissed suggestions he is considering taking a break from football at the end of next season. Speaking to media at a golf event in Spain, Guardiola said: “No. I do not take sabbatical years. I am young and I have desire. The news comes out and many things are not true. If they do not kick me out, I’ll stay there.” Guardiola also emphatically denied speculation linking him with Juventus last month.