Daily Schmankerl: Bayern Munich’s plan to acquire Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale; Rodri weighing offers from Atletico Madrid and Manchester City; Updates on Ante Rebic, Paul Pogba, and James Rodriguez; plus MORE!

Bayern’s plan for a Madrid “Bale-out” (The Sun)

It has been a crazy few days for Bayern Munich and things might be getting a little more wonky. Per a report from The Sun, the Bavarians have formulated a plan to acquire Real Madrid outcast Gareth Bale. The Wales international is out of favor with Zinedine Zidane and needs a new home.

Gareth Bale is being offered a way out of his Real Madrid nightmare by Bayern Munich. The Welsh wizard, who earns £350,000 (€392,000) a week after tax, knows he is unwanted under Zinedine Zidane’s rule at the Bernabeu. And German superclub Bayern are willing to pay his wages on a season-long loan deal. Boss Niko Kovac wants Bale to boost his squad after losing Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.

With no serious bidders for Bale and Bayern allegedly willing to pay Bale’s wages, what kind of fee would Bayern need to pony up to get a deal done with Real Madrid?

Rodri is pondering his future as offers flow in (Daily Mail)

Atletico Madrid defensive midfielder Rodrigo Hernandez (aka Rodri) is mulling over where he wants to spend the next stage of his career. Per a report from the Daily Mail, Rodri is contemplating the following options:

• Extending his deal with Atleti
• A €70 million move to Manchester City
• Interest from both Bayern Munich and Manchester United

Manchester City hope to have a positive response from Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodri this week after he asked for time to consider a £62million move. The 22-year-old also has interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester United, while Atletico have offered him a new contract. Rodri, a defensive-minded midfielder, was a first-team regular for Atletico last season, featuring 35 times in La Liga.

What is unclear, however, from the most recent report is the following:

• What kind of financial incentives has Atleti offered Rodri?
• What type of salary is Manchester City is offering?
• What official offer, if any, have Bayern and Manchester United made?

Rebic keen on leaving Frankfurt? (Münchner Merkur)

Eintracht Frankfurt star Ante Rebic might be looking for a new home. Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid are among the potential suitors for the talented 25-year-old.

Eintracht sports boss Fredi Bobic is also not to rule out a Rebic retirement if the right price is paid. According to the report, Bobic would weaken at 40 million euros and probably let the Croatian go. But it is unlikely that Rebic will join FC Bayern. Finally, kicker reported that the Munichers don’t see enough technical finesse in the Croat. AS now names Atlético Madrid and Inter Milan as potential customers.

After losing Luka Jovic, this would be another tough blow for Die Adler should Rebic actually leave.

Pogba looking for a new challenge (kicker)

Allegedly disgruntled Manchester United star and 2018 World Cup winner Paul Pogba sure sounds like he’s ready to move on:

It may be time to face a new challenge. There is currently much talk - and it will also be thought made. For me personally, it has now been three years in Manchester — and we have achieved a lot. There were good moments and bad ones, just like any other. After this season, with all the things that have happened — and my personal best season, I think the following: I may be looking for a new challenge elsewhere.

James on the move? (Football Italia)

Former Bayern Munich midfielder James Rodriguez seems like he’s headed to Italy, but will it be Napoli or Juventus?

Napoli have reportedly agreed to pay €10m for a one-season James Rodriguez loan, but Real Madrid want €40m option to buy rather than €30m. According to Radio CRC, the two clubs are in advanced negotiations and there is real progress being made.

It’s suggested they agree a one-season loan will be worth €10m, but there are still discrepancies over the option to buy. The proposal from the Partenopei is an extra €30m, whereas Real Madrid hope to get another €40m out of the deal.

How bitter is Napoli going to be if Juventus swoops in to get this deal done at the last minute?

ICYMI: We hit the Hummels news via podcast (Bavarian Football Works)

There was a lot of Mats Hummels-to-Borussia Dortmund news going on and we felt like we needed to hit on it. Give it a listen and give us your take on whether or not the veteran defender should make the move back to BVB.

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:

• The Netherlands downs Cameroon 3-1 — 90 in 90:

• Canada continues it roll with 2-0 win over New Zealand — 90 in 90:

Ukraine wins its first ever U-20 World Cup (@FOXSoccer)

This is quite an accomplishment and makes me think of an old co-worker/drinking buddy who I called the Ukraine Train. Somewhere, she is probably celebrating with a Pravda American Wheat.

The Ukraine squad earned the title with victories over the United States, Qatar, Panama, Colombia, Italy, and South Korea. The Ukraine team also battled Nigeria to a draw in the group stage as well.