Daily Schmankerl: Jurgen Klopp to FC Barcelona or Real Madrid?; Toni Kroos to Manchester United?; Juventus, PSG, and Real Madrid eyeing Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho, who might determine the future for Bayer Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz; and MORE!

Klopp eyed by Madrid and Barca (Transfer Market Web)

Jurgen Klopp probably is not going to leave Liverpool before his contract ends in 2022, but that reportedly won’t stop Real Madrid and FC Barcelona from keeping tabs on the German coach:

Training Liverpool since October 2015, German 52-year old Jurgen Klopp, is set to be pursued by both Barcelona FC and Real Madrid, after current season’s over. CL title-holding manager, inspirator of the Gegenpressing football style, previously training Borussia Dortmund, and Mainz 05 before that, is still on a deal with Reds until June 2022.

There are many that hope to see Klopp coaching either Bayern Munich or Germany after his stint at Liverpool. This would seemingly throw a big wrench in the plans of those folks.

Lehmann advises Nübel to avoid Bayern (Sky Sports)

It has been a busy week for Jens Lehmann. Lehmann jumped into the middle of the Manuel Neuer vs. Marc-André ter Stegen spat, but did not stop there. Lehmann also gave his thoughts on Schalke 04 goalkeeper Alexander Nübel, who has been linked to Bayern Munich:

As long as Manuel Neuer is Bayern, I would not go to Bayern if I was in his place. I would stay in at Schalke.

It is tough to argue with Lehmann on this. With Neuer looking very good this season so far, it is hard to think that the 33-year-old is anywhere near the end of the road with his career.

ICYMI: Der Ausblick — Bayern vs. Red Star (Bavarian Podcast Works)

If you are looking for a brief preview on the upcoming Bayern Munich vs. Red Star match in the Champions League, give our latest podcast a listen:

Another report about the linked futures of Sancho and Havertz (Transfer Market Web)

Per another report on the subject, Borussia Dortmund’s alleged pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz is completely dependent on what happens with Jadon Sancho:

While most Premier League giants, especially Manchester United, are planning a very rich run at Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho, Bundesliga big side, if letting their 2000-born main man go, are plotting to go all the way on German international attacking midfielder and Bayer Leverkusen high-rated one Kai Havertz (20), and kill the whole competition on this particular youngster.

We’ve heard this before and it makes sense in just about every way. The factor giving some people doubt is whether Dortmund would be able to afford Havertz. A sale of Sancho (and potentially some other excess on the roster) could make it very doable.

Sancho, of course, is reportedly on the radar of both Manchester City and Manchester United. Juventus, meanwhile, might also be willing to jump into the bidding on the budding superstar (per Transfer Market Web):

Tracked by most Premier League giants, as well as by PSG and Real Madrid, English international winger Jadon Sancho (19), according to ESPN, has also been targeted by Juventus, inquiring him months ago already. Borussia Dortmund might let their 2000-born star out next summer, on a 3-figure transfer fee.

Hamann thinks Bayern is lacking a true, healthy 6 (Abendzeitung)

Dietmar Hamann thinks Bayern Munich has a legitimate shot winning the Champions League, but also is worried about the squad’s lack of a true defensive midfielder. Hamann acknowledged that Javi Martinez has shown the ability to fill that role, but has been hurt, while also pointing out that Joshua Kimmich still has to prove himself at the position. Finally, Hamann indicated that he does not think that Thiago Alcantara can play the 6 effectively against top-tier competition:

The only thing missing is the defensive midfielder. Kimmich can play that, but then he has to show he’s capable of doing so, and (Javi) Martinez shone against Liverpool last year but that was a game after a long time, now he is injured again, and Thiago is not a six. they are not as well staffed there as the top teams.

In fairness, Martinez is reportedly ready to dust off his boots, but just has not seen his number called by Niko Kovac. Of course, if Bayern employs a 4-2-3-1, the “pain” of lacking of a true 6 could be lessened with some extra support.

Michael Ballack, meanwhile, would prefer to see Kimmich stay at right-back:

I see Kimmich stronger on the outside.

ICYMI: Your Champions League primer (Bavarian Football Works)

If you still haven’t check out our mega-preview series that covers a profile on every team, give it a look.

Putting the opposition on skates (@fckoeln_en)

This is a few seconds you won’t regret:

If Pogba leaves, United will pursue Kroos (Transfer Market Web)

Should Manchester United’s Paul Pogba bolt for Real Madrid, Juventus, or some other luxurious destination, the Red Devils will turn their attention to Germany international Toni Kroos:

While Paul Pogba still looks unsure about whether to keep on with his Manchester United course, and both might fall for a wealthy approach from Real Madrid or PSG even next January, Red Devils, to this end, might turn to one out of Merengues long-time playmakers, German international deep-lying midfielder Toni Kroos (29). Former Bayern Munich star, whose dream of joining Premier League is not a secret, is currently on a deal with Blancos until June 2023, and was recently linked to Juventus and Inter Milan as well.