Daily Schmankerl: Transfer updates on Bayern Munich’s James Rodriguez, Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale, AC Milan’s Krzysztof Piatek, and Marseille’s Florian Thauvin; plus MORE!

Juve’s master plan includes James (Transfer Market Web)

Bayern Munich’s James Rodriguez is reportedly heading back to Real Madrid in June, but his stay with Los Blancos might not last long. Juventus has been closely monitoring James’ status and will allegedly make a play for the Colombia international.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus management, through Jorge Mendes’ mediation, are ready to go for Colombian international attacking midfielder/winger James Rodriguez (27), whom Bayern Munich are planning not to buy back from Real Madrid (if Paulo Dybala transfers away). Slightly different from La Joya (note: Dybala’s nickname is “The Jewel”) feature-wise, the former Porto and AS Monaco star would be allegedly eager to join the Bianconeri.

Bale not in the plans for Madrid (Daily Mail)

Real Madrid is in the process of a roster overhaul and it looks like Wales international Gareth Bale might not be in Spain much longer.

Gareth Bale was told he is not wanted at Real Madrid in a face-to-face meeting with coach Zinedine Zidane, but he remains adamant that he wants to stay at the club. The 29-year-old was called into coach Zidane’s office at the club’s Valdebebas training ground last week for a one-to-one meeting. Sportsmail understands the exchange was brief and frosty with Bale hearing nothing he did not already know – that relations with Zidane have not improved since the last time the French coach was at the club.

Cue the Bale-to-Bayern Munich rumors heating up again.

Piatek could be on the move again (Sky Sports)

Bayern was linked to AC Milan striker Krzysztof Piatek in the fall when the player was still with Genoa. Piatek, who has 29 goals and one assist across 39 games this season, has a contract with AC Milan through 2023, but may want an early exit from Italy should his team not earn a Champions League berth.

AC Milan are worried about their participation in next year’s Champions League. Should coach Genaro Gattuso’s team fail to reach Europe’s most important league, one of the new stars seems to be saying goodbye.

Krzysztof Piatek only came to Milan from Genoa last winter. The Pole has scored 23 goals in 33 games this season. As La Repubblica now reports, the 23-year-old talent is said to have already packed his bags, because he definitely wants to be part of Europe’s most important competition.

AC Milan is currently in fifth place in Serie A and is three points behind fourth place Atalanta. The top four positions in Serie A are awarded a Champions League berth.

Gnabry analyzed (You Tube — Bundesliga)

The Bundesliga put Serge Gnabry under the microscope to see how he’s made such an impact this season.

Alonso’s coaching prowess admired by more than just Bayern (Sky Sports)

Xabi Alonso’s cerebral play on the field might have paved the way for a future on the sidelines and there are a few clubs who view the former star as a prime coaching candidate for the future.

Xabi Alonso will work as a trainer in the future. That is clear. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge would also like to see the former Munich defensive actor on the bench at Bayern Munich.

According to the Spanish ace, his former club Real Sociedad will also be considering hiring the Spaniard as coach. At the moment, the Spanish table eighth on the position of head coach is already occupied. The team from the north of Spain is planning to bring Alonso into the coaching business via the second team or even deeper so that he can be handed over to the first team as a trained coach in the future.

Dortmund’s potential XI? (@GERFootDaily)

Borussia Dortmund is not necessarily planning a complete squad overhaul, but the Black and Yellows are reportedly on the cusp of making three very impactful signings. BVB will be looking to bring in Bayer Leverkusen’s Julian Brandt, Borussia Monchengladbach’s Thorgan Hazard, and Hoffenheim’s Nico Schulz.

If Dortmund is successful in adding three players of that ilk, it will make BVB a very interesting — and potent— team next season.

Per kicker, Dortmund’s pursuit of Brandt is getting a bit more vigorous.

Julian Brandt (23, contract until 2021) can leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer for an exit clause of at least EUR 25 million. As reported, Borussia Dortmund has intensified its advertising among the numerous interested parties: The 24-time national player fits perfectly into the requirements profile of the runner-up, who prefers to strengthen his squad with German players. For Brandt, who declared a few weeks ago that he would not make a decision before the end of the season, another season in Leverkusen is conceivable, as he pointed out. A further possible qualification for the Champions League would certainly make this decision easier for Brandt.

I still think that is a ridiculously low sum for Brandt.

Rafinha and Flamengo linked again (Sky Sports)

Bayern veteran Rafinha has once again been linked to Flamengo.

Bavaria’s defender Rafinha has no more contract for the next season in Munich. Should his career with the record champion lead him back home to Brazil, there will be only one club for him there. As he announced in an interview with Fox Sports, Flamengo has been looking after him for quite some time. So, if he ends up in the Brazilian Serie A, he’ll be on the receiving end of Flamengo with whom he’s already reached a verbal agreement, as he himself says.

However, the Brazilian is considering staying in Europe. He is said to have received three offers from top clubs where he says he could play at a high level. The 33-year-old does not announce which clubs these are.

Thauvin linked with Atletico (Goal)

Rumored Bayern target and Marseille winger Florian Thauvin might be headed to Atletico Madrid. The Spanish club is said to be readying a €50m offer for Thauvin.

According to AS, Madrid’s executives are considering making an offer for the French international, under contract until 2021 with OM. Florian Thauvin, who is currently injured, notes week after week that Olympique de Marseille is leaving the European Cup next season. Determined to play in the Champions League as he has said on several occasions, the French international will probably have to leave the Phoenician club to compete in the C1.