Daily Schmankerl: Bayern Munich’s Thomas Müller survives fantasy gaffe; Transfer updates on Antoine Griezmann, Paulo Dybala, Christian Eriksen, and Sergio Ramos; plus MORE!

Müller’s Kickbase gaffe results in “apology” to Kruse (Tz)

It turns out that Bayern Munich’s Thomas Müller enjoys to partake in a little fantasy football via the platform Kickbase.

Like any fantasy manager worth his salt, Müller bottled a decision on his roster. This time, it involved Union Berlin’s Max Kruse, as the Raumdeuter axed Kruse from his lineup. Müller, however, wanted to let Kruse know that it was a case of “it’s not you, it’s me.”

Müller hit social media to apologize to Kruse for the untimely cut, but added he still won the match anyway:

Yes, good morning dear Max, first of all greetings to Berlin. I saw in an Insta story that you were happy about your Kickbase points. Now, I have to say the following: I sold you before this match day. Sold you, I would say almost given away. And it annoys me very much. My team fought hard anyway and eventually won the Kickbase matchday.

Müller, though, was not done there. He added a bit more color to this message and leaked information about a future transaction:

As soon as you are back on the transfer market, I will of course grab you again. A man like you, so creative, so game-changing.

Kruse meanwhile, engaged in the fun and replied to Müller with a note: “Everyone makes mistakes.”

Lamptey to re-up? (Brighton & Hove Independent)

Bayern Munich was linked to Brighton and Hove Albion star Tariq Lamptey, but it appears that the 20-year-old right-back will sign a contract extension with his club. Now that the Bavarians have Bouna Sarr as depth behind Benjamin Pavard, Bayern Munich is no longer in need of another player at that position:

Brighton and Hove Albion star Tariq Lamptey is set to be offered a new contract in a bid to hold off interest from Bayern Munich.

Do they really need to hold off Bayern Munich at this point?

Lewandowski not lacking trophies (@FCBayernEN)

Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski has had quite a run:

Barca joining bidding fray for Dybala? (Transfer Market Web)

A swap involving Paulo Dybala and Antoine Griezmann?

According to Tuttosport, Barcelona FC management, after having brought in Miralem Pjanic a few months ago, through a swap having Arthur join Juventus, are suggesting Bianconeri a new trade, centered on the almost 27-year old Argentinian international forward Paulo Dybala, even by getting Antoine Griezmann to move on the other way around. Further names involved are Junior Firpo and Ousmane Dembelé (Barça), as well as Alex Sandro and Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus).

No progress in Ramos talks for Madrid (kicker)

Apparently troublesome contract negotiations with ace defenders are all the rage these days. Real Madrid is finding that out with Sergio Ramos...the hard way:

Club legend Sergio Ramos (34) is only contractually tied to Real Madrid until the summer and there still seems to be no progress in negotiations for an extension. According to a report by “AS”, the defense chief calls for a term of two years, but Real - as always with over-30 players - only offers one year. A continuation of the talks is not expected until January, but then Ramos should already negotiate with other clubs.

United keeping tabs on Eriksen? (Transfer Market Web)

Manchester United is yet another club looking at Inter Milan’s Christian Eriksen:

Already tracked by Barcelona FC, Borussia Dortmund, Hertha Berlin, and PSG, Danish international midfielder Christian Eriksen, 28, according to latest rumors, has been targeted by Manchester United as well. Pursuing him in the past, back when he was fending for Tottenham, Red Devils were demanded by Nerazzurri a swap deal scenario involving Dutch international attacking midfielder Donny Van De Beek (23), signed from Ajax just last summer.

It is interesting that Van De Beek’s name was brought up, only because it seems highly unlikely that Manchester United would be willing to part with one of its prized acquisitions from the offseason.

Owen Hargreaves went as far as to say that Van De Beek could be Manchester United’s Thomas Müller, but the Dutch youngster’s lack of playing time has some feeling as if he should have never signed with the Red Devils.