Bayer Leverkusen

Thiago is contracted until the end of 2020-21 but the Spain international is reportedly on the verge of leaving for Premier League champions Liverpool as Bayern brace for his exit.

The 29-year-old came off the bench with three minutes remaining in Bayern's 4-2 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in Saturday's DFB-Pokal final.

However, Flick has not given up on keeping star Thiago – who arrived from Barcelona in 2013 and has since won seven successive Bundesliga crowns among other honours.

"The thing is, I always have hope. I'm actually always very positive about things," Flick told reporters following the Berlin triumph.

"I also know, of course, that when you're at a certain age and you've already played in the Spanish league with Barcelona and in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, you feel the need to experience another big league. That is quite normal and that is also human.

"I'm trying my best to make sure Thiago stays here and that you can convince him to stay. But that's one thing that time will show.

"We still have the Champions League ahead of us now and we have a lot of plans, also together with him."

Flick was also asked about Bayern's transfer plans after prising Germany international Leroy Sane from Manchester City.

Bayern have been linked to Leverkusen star Kai Havertz, who scored a late consolidation goal on Saturday.

"We all know that of course the time with coronavirus has changed a lot," Flick added. "This means that many clubs, including FC Bayern Munich, can no longer spend money so easily. That's why we have to proceed cautiously.

"For now, Leroy Sane's commitment was important for the club and also for the team, which are taking the next step. Hasan Salihamidzic did a very good job of staying on the ball. I think a lot is developing and we have to see that we are a bit more broadly based."

Leverkusen were the superior side in a generally low-key contest, playing some eye-catching football on occasions as they bounced back from a shock 4-1 defeat to Wolfsburg on Tuesday.

They were fortunate to be on level terms at half-time, as Roland Sallai fed Lucas Holer in behind Sven Bender, but the forward failed to hit the target when one-on-one with Lukas Hradecky.

The visitors capitalised early in the second half. Leon Bailey, who had been a source of frustration, twisted and turned his way into the Freiburg penalty area and played a reverse pass to Havertz, who somehow poked his effort through the legs of Alexander Schwolow from an acute angle.

Havertz trudged off just past the hour after picking up what appeared to be a minor knock, but Leverkusen held on for a slender win – Hradecky making sure of the victory late on when turning a Nils Petersen effort around the post.

Leverkusen moved a point clear of RB Leipzig, who, along with Borussia Monchengladbach, can usurp Peter Bosz's side again when they face Cologne and Union Berlin respectively.

Germany allowed Havertz to leave their training camp in Stuttgart on Friday to complete a switch to Chelsea, where he signed a five-year contract.

The Blues also raided the Bundesliga for RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner, with Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr having also arrived at Stamford Bridge as reinforcements for the 2020-21 season.

Low was disappointed to see Havertz leave the Bundesliga but hopes playing abroad can help him have a bigger impact with the national team.

"I see it as a negative when such great talents like Kai are no longer in the Bundesliga," Low told a news conference on Saturday.

"But I also see the positives. Abroad, the players develop their personalities.

"I think the time is right for Kai, and the same goes for Werner. If they take the next step that will of course help us too."

Havertz was an unused substitute in Germany's 1-1 draw with Spain in the Nations League on Thursday, with Low not playing him due to his Chelsea transfer not being completed at that point.

"Kai was torn. Kai would have been good for us in the second half against Spain, but I also knew his situation," said Low.

"He would have liked to have played for the national team, but in such situations, when a transfer is imminent, you have to be careful."

Germany will be without Havertz when they face Switzerland on Sunday but Low expects to have every other player available, having confirmed Leroy Sane did not suffer a muscle injury against Spain.

"Bernd Leno will be in goal. For everyone else, I'll wait for training," said Low.

"I told Leroy we weren't taking any risks. He did not suffer any muscular injuries, but it was not to be expected that he would last the 90 minutes.

"Switzerland's development has been very good since 2014, including as individuals. They are now one of the big players. I see parallels between Switzerland and Spain in terms of the style of play."

The 22-year-old Jamaica international is expected to play a key role when the in-form German outfit takes on Scottish club Rangers, at Leverkusen's Bay Arena.  The match will, however, be missing a key element as it will be played behind closed doors, becoming a part of Europe's struggles to arrest the spread of the coronavirus.

With over 1000 people having tested positive for the coronavirus in the country, the German Football League (DFL) decided to close games on a case by case basis.  The trend has already strongly taken root across Europe with many leagues opting for fan free matches.  It has already been confirmed that the second leg of the tie, in Scotland, will also be played behind closed doors.

“It affects us because football is for the fans.  Playing behind closed doors is always a different type of feeling,” Bailey told BBC Sports Scotland.

“But I mean we also have to think about the safety of others, and we have to do what we have to do,” he added.

“Our health come first.  Without health, there is no life.”

The 22-year-old winger had a strong season for the German outfit, overall, providing 15 goals and 10 assists during the team’s campaign.  Overall Leverkusen finished 6^th and in the European League places.

Bailey, however, suffered an injury, a broken toe, during the team’s penultimate game of the season against Werder Bremen a few weeks before the end of the season.  Initially, there was concern that the player could have missed the tournament, but he recently concerned that he was fully recovered and eager to get back on the field for the country.  He has since resumed training.

Bailey was named as part of a large preliminary squad, which has also included West Ham’s Michail Antonio and several other overseas-based players.  The winger, who has represented the country eight times is also expected to play a crucial role in the country’s attempts to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.  The CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers will resume in September.

Havertz scored the winning goal as Leverkusen moved up to third in the Bundesliga by edging Freiburg 1-0 away from home.

The in-demand Germany international, who made it five goals in four games since the coronavirus-enforced break ended this month, hobbled off just past the hour with a knock but Bosz allayed the injury concerns.

"He is fine. I don't know how bad it is, but I think he's gonna be okay," Bosz said after the match.

It was a record-breaking outing for Havertz, who has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Manchester United.

The 20-year-old midfielder scored his 35th Bundesliga goal, making him the first player under the age of 21 to reach that total.

"I'm very happy for him, of course," Leverkusen team-mate Leon Bailey told bundesliga.com. "He's very, very talented - I think we all know that."

"For him to be able to be doing that gives young players a vision," Bailey added. "Anything is possible once you work hard. I think Kai Havertz is a very hardworking player.

"He's smart, and very intelligent on the pitch. I hope he continues to do this and help the team as much as possible because we need him."

Tah played a key role as Bayer won an unbeaten Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in 2023-24, making 48 appearances in all competitions and contributing to 18 clean sheets.

The centre-back also scored six goals and recorded the highest pass completion rate (96.47%) of any Bundesliga player in his 31 league outings.

However, Tah has now entered the final 12 months of his contract at the BayArena, and with no agreement reached on fresh terms, he has been linked with Bayern.

There have also been suggestions Bayern could wait until the second half of 2024-25 before attempting to agree a free transfer for Tah, but Rolfes is not worried about losing him.

"There is nothing new and nothing that makes me doubt whether Jonathan will stay with us," said Rolfes after Saturday's DFL-Supercup win over Stuttgart. 

"He's an important part of the team and emotionally, he's totally connected to every team-mate, the coach and the fans."

Former Leverkusen striker Rudi Voller, who now serves as director of the German national team, also commented on Tah's future on Sunday, telling Sport1 that Bayern's interest had angered the Bundesliga champions.

"There haven't been any intensive talks on this topic for a long time, and that's what's a bit frustrating," Voller said. 

"There was an enquiry a while ago, along with an offer, which Bayer Leverkusen logically rejected." 

"Leverkusen is a club that doesn't like to let players leave for free. In principle, they would have liked to reach an agreement, but as of now, no agreement has been made."

In fact, the Jamaica international insists the red-hot Bundesliga outfit are targeting a knockout blow when they travel to Scotland on Thursday.  The Peter Bosz’s coached side have won eight of their last nine games, including a 4-0 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend.

“We are going to Glasgow full of confidence and that’s important. We are ready for the game,” Bailey said in a recent interview.

“We are going there to play the type of football that has seen us winning games. We won’t change our style for this one game. Winning games gives us confidence,” he added.

Despite the dire prediction for Rangers, Bailey, who has scored 5 goals in seven appearances for the Leverkusen, insists he has nothing but respect for the former Liverpool legend turned coach.             

“We expect to get a victory. We think we can win in Scotland and we think we can succeed in the home leg too,” he added.

“And we have to prepared for anything that they throw at us. But we are going there to get the job done. We are in a really good place just now. We are playing well, winning games and we all have a good chemistry with each other.”

The highly rated 22-year-old questioned the capabilities of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and said the governing body, rather than the country's players, would be to blame if the Reggae Boyz fail to reach the 2022 World Cup.

Bailey, who has frequently been linked with Premier League giants Chelsea, also criticised the selection policies of coach Theodore Whitmore, suggesting he chops and changes his squads too frequently.

He now risks punishment from the JFF, whose president Michael Ricketts has urged Bailey to come to the federation first with any grievances.

Speaking to radio station Hitz 92 FM, Ricketts said: "Tell us what you think the problems are."

Ricketts said the comments were "unfounded", and JFF general secretary Dalton Wint told the Jamaican Gleaner newspaper that Bailey's barbs had breached protocol and would inevitably see him risk sanctions.

Wint said: "You can't be publicly criticising your coach or your administration without the possibilities of you being reprimanded, and so it is something that we are discussing internally as we move forward.

"What he said was very unfortunate, and it does not auger well for good relationship building for players or staff to openly criticise your employer.

"It is a cease-and-desist order because it is something that we will not be accommodating, and we are imploring everybody to stay in line and to be respectful, and if you have any difficulties or concerns, bring it to the right forum and it will be discussed, deliberated, and actions taken, and so don't wash your dirty linen in public."

Bailey, who joined Leverkusen from Genk in 2017, has scored 19 goals in 82 Bundesliga games. He was a substitute on Monday in the 4-1 win over Werder Bremen, coming off the bench in the second half.

Sane has had a tough time since joining Bayern from Manchester City for an initial €49million in July, being restricted to just five Bundesliga starts.

He was once again named on the bench for Saturday's trip to the BayArena but was introduced just after the half-hour mark for the injured Kingsley Coman.

However, the Germany international lasted only 36 minutes on the field before being taken off for Jamal Musiala with the game poised at 1-1 and Bayern chasing a goal.

Sane cut a frustrated figure as he made his way back to the bench but head coach Hansi Flick felt he had no other choice but to make the tough call.

"It wasn't a punishment," he said at his post-match news conference. "I had to make a sub, and the options were either Thomas Muller, Serge Gnabry or Leroy.

"Thomas is indispensable for our system, Serge really got into the game in the second half. So I had to sub Leroy off.

"Ultimately, it's about the success of the team above the individuals. We support Leroy in every way possible."

Sane lost possession nine times, completed 15 of his 19 passes (78.9 per cent) and conceded two fouls, which was more than any other Bayern player.

But Muller, who by comparison was successful with 38 of his 52 passes (73.1 per cent) and lost possession a joint team-high 20 times, leapt to his team-mate's defence.

"Hansi must have had his reasons," said Muller of Sane's withdrawal.

"Personally, I really enjoy playing with Leroy and I think we had more offensive moves down the right when he came on.

"I don't think it will be that long until we start talking about Leroy in a different way. He is very close to breaking through.

"He shouldn't get frustrated by this but motivated. It doesn't make it any easier that we're struggling a little as a team at the moment."

Sane creates an average of 0.7 big chances per 90 minutes he plays in the Bundesliga this season, which is bettered only by Coman (1.07) among Bayern players to have featured at least six times.

Only Douglas Costa (2.97) and Musiala (3.71) have completed more dribbles per 90 minutes than Sane's 2.45, meanwhile, and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic is happy with the ex-City attacker's displays since recovering from a long-term lay-off.

"The guy is really a top player, he was injured for a long time," he said. "He also wants more from himself.

"The team will help him. I'm sure and I totally believe in him. He has qualities that he will hopefully show us in the first game of the new year."

Lewandowski scored twice against Leverkusen, including a 93rd-minute winner, after Patrik Schick had given the home side the lead.

The Poland international, whose 17 goals after 13 Bundesliga matchdays is a joint-record alongside Gerd Muller, also predicted a brighter future for Sane.

"He needs a bit of time," Lewandowski said. "Next year I'm sure he'll show his quality. I'll keep my fingers crossed for him - he's a great guy.

"He knows himself that he can benefit from a short break and we will need him going forward."

Leaders Bayern have trailed 1-0 in each of their past seven Bundesliga games - their longest ever such run - but will take a two-point lead into the mid-season break following their latest fightback.

Our latest dive into the data of 2019-20 sees us look at the best playmakers in Europe's top-five leagues before the season was called to a halt.

We've deliberately broadened our approach to what constitutes a playmaker here – Gerard Pique doesn't often appear as a number 10, unless Barca are in real trouble – as the idea is to offer a wider consideration of those players who generally use the ball better than most when in possession.

To that end, we've looked at 12 different metrics to come up with the top performers of the campaign, again from among those to make at least 10 league appearances.

While some stars are not exactly strange to see in the list below, there is a handful of more surprising names, too...

THE TOP PLAYMAKERS IN EUROPE'S TOP-FIVE LEAGUES 2019-20:

BUNDESLIGA:

Most successful passes: Sven Bender (1,766)
Highest passing accuracy: Axel Witsel(94.1 per cent)
Most successful passes, opposition half: Joshua Kimmich (873)
Highest passing accuracy, opposition half: Axel Witsel (92.2)
Most passes ending in final third: Jadon Sancho (576)
Highest passing accuracy ending in final third: Axel Witsel(88.4 per cent)
Most chances created: Christopher Nkunku(65)
Most big chances created: Thomas Muller (24)
Most assists: Thomas Muller (16)
Most assists from open play: Thomas Muller(15)
Most crosses/corners successful: Filip Kostic (71)
Highest crosses/corners accuracy (min. 10): Dennis Geiger (50 per cent)

LALIGA:

Most successful passes: Gerard Pique (1,688)
Highest passing accuracy: Toni Kroos (93.6 per cent)
Most successful passes, opposition half: Sergio Busquets (957)
Highest passing accuracy, opposition half: Toni Kroos (92.4)
Most passes ending in final third: Lionel Messi(698)
Highest passing accuracy ending in final third: Toni Kroos (90.3)
Most chances created: Jose Campana (58)
Most big chances created: Lionel Messi(22)
Most assists: Lionel Messi (12)
Most assists from open play: Portu and Lionel Messi (8)
Most crosses/corners successful: Jesus Navas(43)
Highest crosses/corners accuracy (min. 10): Benat (55 per cent)

LIGUE 1:

Most successful passes: Marco Verratti (1,581)
Highest passing accuracy: Thiago Silva (95.5 per cent)
Most successful passes, opposition half: Marco Verratti (956)
Highest passing accuracy, opposition half: Thiago Silva (92.8 per cent)
Most passes ending in final third: Angel Di Maria (543)
Highest passing accuracy ending in final third: Colin Dagba (86 per cent)
Most chances created: Dimitri Payet(87)
Most big chances created: Angel Di Maria(31)
Most assists: Angel Di Maria (14)
Most assists from open play: Angel Di Maria (10)
Most crosses/corners successful: Dimitri Payet(63)
Highest crosses/corners accuracy (min. 10): Marco Verratti(54.6 per cent)

PREMIER LEAGUE:

Most successful passes: Virgil van Dijk(2,209)
Highest passing accuracy: John Stones (94 per cent)
Most successful passes, opposition half: Rodri(1,069)
Highest passing accuracy, opposition half: John Stones (93.9 per cent)
Most passes ending in final third: Kevin De Bruyne(740)
Highest passing accuracy ending in final third: Ibrahim Amadou (93.3 per cent)
Most chances created: Kevin De Bruyne (96)
Most big chances created: Kevin De Bruyne (23)
Most assists: Kevin De Bruyne (16)
Most assists from open play: Kevin De Bruyne (14)
Most crosses/corners successful: Kevin De Bruyne (69)
Highest crosses/corners accuracy (min. 10): Christian Atsu (47.1 per cent)

SERIE A:

Most successful passes: Fabian Ruiz (1,488)
Highest passing accuracy: Marlon Santos (94.1 per cent)
Most successful passes, opposition half: Fabian Ruiz(932)
Passing accuracy, opposition half: Eljif Elmas (91.5 per cent)
Most passes ending in final third: Luis Alberto (723)
Highest passing accuracy ending in final third: Walace (89.7 per cent)
Most chances created: Luis Alberto (75)
Most big chances created: Luis Alberto (16)
Most assists: Luis Alberto (12)
Most assists from open play: Luis Albertoand Alejandro Gomez (9)
Most crosses/corners successful: Erick Pulgar (46)
Highest crosses/corners accuracy (min. 10): Armando Izzo(54.6 per cent)

AND THE TOP 12:

Most successful passes: Virgil van Dijk (2,209)
Highest passing accuracy: Thiago Silva (95.5 per cent)
Most successful passes, opposition half: Rodri (1,069)
Passing accuracy, opposition half: John Stones (93.9 per cent)
Most passes ending in final third: Kevin De Bruyne (740)
Highest passing accuracy ending in final third: Ibrahim Amadou (93.3 per cent)
Most chances created: Kevin De Bruyne (96)
Most big chances created: Angel Di Maria (31)
Most assists: Thomas Mullerand Kevin De Bruyne (16)
Most assists from open play: Thomas Muller (15)
Most crosses/corners successful: Filip Kostic(71)
Highest crosses/corners accuracy (min. 10): Benat (55 per cent)

Using Opta data, we have already examined some of the worst attacking numbers from 2019-20, so now it's the turn of those ball-playing technicians: the pass-masters.

We have analysed nine key metrics for outfield players to play in at least 10 league games this season, thereby giving us a good summary of those whose passing could use some improvement. Those metrics are focused on the number of passes (overall, in a player's own half and their opponent's half), the accuracy of those passes, corners and crosses, and losing possession.

As always when it comes to data, context is key. For instance, we have included overall accuracy percentages to give balance to the simple number of passes. A team's playmaker or set-piece taker, for example, is arguably more likely to have a larger number of misplaced passes than team-mates simply because he will be attempting more of them, and often in difficult areas.

It's also worth noting that the number of times possession has been lost excludes 'Hoofs' (which, by their nature, make losing the ball more common), while corner and crossing accuracy is taken only from those to attempt, on average, at least one per game.

That said, the below gives a good indication of some passing figures that need improvement - and there are one or two surprising names...

THE WORST PASSING STATS IN EUROPE'S TOP-FIVE LEAGUES 2019-20:

BUNDESLIGA:

Most passes failed: Robert Andrich (291)
Worst passing accuracy: Anthony Modeste (55.4 per cent)
Most passes failed, own half: Jamilu Collins (110)
Worst passing accuracy, own half: Kai Proger (60.5 per cent)
Most passes failed, opposition half: Sebastian Andersson (215)
Worst passing accuracy, opposition half: Anthony Modeste (42.1 per cent)
Most corners/crosses failed: Filip Kostic (199)
Worst corners/crosses accuracy (minimum 10): Wendell (0 of 22)
Most times possession lost: Filip Kostic (616)

LALIGA:

Most passes failed: Leandro Cabrera (352)
Worst passing accuracy: Enric Gallego (48.6 per cent)
Most passes failed, own half: Pervis Estupinan (94)
Worst passing accuracy, own half: Sergio Leon (57.1 per cent)
Most passes failed, opposition half: Joselu (283)
Worst passing accuracy, opposition half: Leandro Cabrera (43.5 per cent)
Most corners/crosses failed: Jesus Navas (134)
Worst corners/crosses accuracy (minimum 10): Karim Benzema (0 of 19)
Most times possession lost: Pervis Estupinan (534)

LIGUE 1:

Most passes failed: Issiaga Sylla (281)
Worst passing accuracy: Suk Hyun-jun (44.8 per cent)
Most passes failed, own half: Fabien Centonze (111)
Worst passing accuracy, own half: Suk Hyun-jun (50 per cent)
Most passes failed, opposition half: Andy Delort (238)
Worst passing accuracy, opposition half:  Suk Hyun-jun (44.4 per cent)
Most corners/crosses failed: Mathieu Dossevi (142)
Worst corners/crosses accuracy (minimum 10): M'Baye Niang (0 of 11)
Most times possession lost: Angel Di Maria (539)

PREMIER LEAGUE:

Most passes failed: Trent Alexander-Arnold (480)
Worst passing accuracy: Christian Benteke (52.4 per cent)
Most passes failed, own half: Cesar Azpilicueta (132)
Worst passing accuracy, own half: Matej Vydra (50 per cent)
Most passes failed, opposition half:  Trent Alexander-Arnold (359)
Worst passing accuracy, opposition half: Christian Benteke (48 per cent)
Most corners/crosses failed:  Trent Alexander-Arnold (246)
Worst corners/crosses accuracy (minimum 10): Gabriel Martinelli (0 of 22)
Most times possession lost:  Trent Alexander-Arnold (867)

SERIE A:

Most passes failed: Stefano Sabelli (324)
Worst passing accuracy: Lautaro Martinez (59.5 per cent)
Most passes failed, own half: Stefano Sabelli (94)
Most passes failed, opposition half: Stefano Sabelli (230)
Worst passing accuracy, own half: Florian Aye (58.5 per cent)
Worst passing accuracy, opposition half: Roberto Inglese (54 per cent)
Most corners/crosses failed: Erick Pulgar (134)
Worst corners/crosses accuracy (minimum 10): Kevin Lasagna (0 from 13)
Most possession lost: Stefano Sabelli (494)

AND THE TOP NINE:

Most passes failed: Trent Alexander-Arnold (480)
Worst passing accuracy: Suk Hyun-jun (44.8 per cent)
Most passes failed, own half: Cesar Azpilicueta (132)
Worst passing accuracy, own half: Suk Hyun-jun and Matej Vydra (50 per cent)
Most passes failed, opposition half: Trent Alexander-Arnold (359)
Worst passing accuracy, opposition half: Anthony Modeste (42.1 per cent)
Most corners/crosses failed: Trent Alexander-Arnold (246)
Worst corners/crosses accuracy (minimum 10): Wendell and Gabriel Martinelli (0 of 22)
Most times possession lost: Trent Alexander-Arnold (867)

In a surprise 2-1 win for Bayer Leverkusen, it was the speedy winger who found the back of the net twice.  Bailey opened the scoring after sprinting onto Kevin Volland’s neat through ball, tore past David Alaba and Benjamin Pavard to unleash a right-footed thunderbolt beyond the outstretched glove of Manuel Neuer. Thomas Muller equalised but another lightning counterattack immediately afterward, saw Volland tee up Bailey again, this time to score a left-footed rocket.

More than two months after the fixture was scheduled to be played, the teams will meet on Saturday at BayArena.  The layoff has been a time of frustration for both players and fans alike, but the Jamaican reveals that he also took the time to reflect.

“From a mental perspective, coping with the lockdown was a bit chill for me because I had my family here,” Bailey told inews.

“It gave me a lot of time to reflect on everything that I needed to concentrate on more and, you know, just reflect on who I am.”

The winger had struggled to get going early season, his progress disrupted by injury, and then two red cards.

“To come back from injury is always a difficult thing to do. I’ve overcome it a lot of times, I’ve come back, I’ve scored goals and been [there] in important moments for the team, giving assists. So I’ve overcome them, it’s just for me to keep that going in a steady way.”

The 23-year-old Bayer Leverkusen winger was given his marching orders in matches against FC Koln and Borussia Mönchengladbach, a strange position for him to find himself in as they were the first of his career.

 Against Koln, where Bailey was given a red card for pushing his hand into the face of Kingsley Ehzibue, he was asked to apologize to the team by captain Lars Bender.  The Jamaican insists the request was completely understandable.

“Of course I had to apologize to the team for that. That was also important to me,” Bailey said in an interview with RP Online.

“We are a unit and the team should understand how I see the situation and that it was very tough for me. I regret what happened. It was a mistake - especially in the game in Cologne that was so important to the fans, but it was never a bad intention behind it. It was just some very bad reactions from me. But now everything is fine again. In the second half of the season, I want to be more relaxed and, above all, more efficient on the pitch so that we can achieve our goals,” he added.

After a troubling several months that have seen the player plagued by injury and inconsistent form, Bailey has attributed the increased aggressiveness to high levels of motivation.

“It is relatively easy for me to stay cool - no matter how much I am provoked by an opponent. But last season I had a lot of ups and downs and some injuries. It also affected my head and my psyche. That's why I was over-motivated in the first half of the season in the two situations and much too aggressive.”

While not officially confirmed by the German club, widespread reports on Thursday suggested Nagelsmann had been dismissed.

Bayern sit second in the Bundesliga, one point behind Borussia Dortmund, and it is one of their rivals' former coaches who is favourite to replace Nagelsmann.

TOP STORY – TUCHEL SIGNS BAYERN DEAL

According to Fabrizio Romano, Tuchel – who was sacked by Chelsea in September – has already agreed to become Bayern's new coach.

Tuchel's first game would be against his former team Dortmund on April 1.

Bayern face Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals. Nagelsmann, meanwhile, is sure to be linked with plenty of high-profile job opportunities.

ROUND UP

- The Sun, citing a Sport Bild report, claim that Eintracht Frankfurt have placed an £88million (€99.7m) price tag on Manchester United target Randal Kolo Muani.

- The father of Brighton and Hove Albion's Alexis Mac Allister has informed ESPN no clubs are in concrete talks with his son, but that there are interested parties.

- According to 90min, Chelsea, Newcastle Unitedand Manchester Cityare all scouting Juventus winger Samuel Iling-Junior.

- Fabrizio Romano says that Barcelona, Real Madridand Liverpoolare interested in Florian Wirtz, though Bayer Leverkusen are confident of keeping hold of the youngster.

Trossard, 28, is in his fourth season with the Seagulls, and after never scoring more than eight Premier League goals in each of his previous three campaigns, he is on pace to set a new personal-best with seven in his first 16 appearances.

His exploits this season have included a hat-trick in a 3-3 draw against Liverpool, as well as goals against Manchester City and Chelsea, but he recently butted heads with head coach Roberto De Zerbi and has been left out of Brighton's last two matchday squads.

The Belgium international with 24 senior caps has also had his agent announce his intention to leave the club this month, triggering plenty of interest from fellow Premier League sides.

TOP STORY – CHELSEA WANT TROSSARD TO RECREATE MAGIC WITH POTTER

According to The Mirror, Chelsea are understood to now be a main player along with Tottenham and also Arsenal as the three clubs compete for Trossard's services.

Trossard had only six months remaining on his contract on the south coast, before Brighton reportedly activated a 12-month extension to ensure he would not be able to leave the club on a free transfer.

It is believed Chelsea have the most spending power of the trio, even after their £88.5million purchase of Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, and Trossard remains a favourite of his former boss Graham Potter.

His asking price has been set at £25m, while the report adds any potential deal for fellow Brighton talent 21-year-old Moises Caicedo – also of interest to Chelsea as well as Liverpool – would cost "more than double" that £25m figure.

ROUND-UP

– The Mirror is reporting West Ham would like to bring in 29-year-old Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire on loan.

– According to Sky Sports, Arsenalhave enquired about 23-year-old Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby, but have been told he will not be available this month and will cost €100m (£88.5m) at the end of the season.

– Barcelonaare hoping to secure 32-year-old Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer at the end of the season, per the Telegraph.

– Fichajes is reporting Arsenalwill attempt to sign Chelsea's Raheem Sterlingafter failing to land the 28-year-old England international prior to his move to Stamford Bridge last year.

– According to The Independent, Real Madrid and Juventusare monitoring United 18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho after he rejected the club's most recent contract extension.

Sancho, who left Manchester City for Borussia Dortmund in 2017, has been heavily linked to Manchester United, as well as Chelsea, Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Dortmund are reportedly preparing for life without the England star.

TOP STORY – BVB BRACED FOR SANCHO DEPARTURE

Borussia Dortmund believe Jadon Sancho's exit at the end of the season is inevitable, according to The Evening Standard.

Dortmund star Sancho has been tipped to join Manchester United, who are determined to boost their attacking stocks.

Chelsea, Liverpool and Real Madrid have also been linked as Bundesliga outfit Dortmund hold out for €129million (£116m).

Dortmund are also running out of patience with Sancho's off-field issues, after the England international was fined for flouting social-distancing guidelines following a haircut.

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- Juventus could raid Italian rivals Roma for Italy star Nicolo Zaniolo. Calciomercato says Roma could be forced to sell their best players due to the club's financial situation, giving Juve the chance to bring the 20-year-old to Turin.

- Mundo Deportivo claims Inter want €80m for Madrid target Milan Skriniar. The Inter defender is seen as a replacement for veteran Los Blancos captain Sergio Ramos.

- United and Inter are battling to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso, reports RMC Sport. The Frenchman moved to Munich from Lyon in 2017.

- Madrid are ready to join the chase for Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz, according to The Sun. The Germany international is wanted by United, Liverpool and Chelsea and the Premier League reportedly appeals to the 20-year-old.

- Ligue 1 holders Paris Saint-Germain are interested in Gianluigi Donnarumma, however, Tuttosport says Serie A champions Juventus are eyeing a move for the Milan and Italy goalkeeper.

- Sky Sport Italia claims Roma are trying to lock down Lorenzo Pellegrini to a new contract amid interest from Inter, PSGand Dortmund.

- Madrid'spath to Rennes sensation Eduardo Camavinga could become complicated. With the Ligue 1 transfer window already open, RMC Sport suggests PSGcould try to trump Madrid for the 17-year-old.

- Sport reports Barcelona are willing to lower their asking price to accelerate Philippe Coutinho'sdeparture. The out-of-favour Brazilian has been linked to Tottenham, Newcastle United and Chelsea.

Chelsea recorded a 2-0 win over Wolves on Sunday to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League and a spot in next season's Champions League.

That result should open the door for the arrival of Havertz – and soon.

TOP STORY – HAVERTZ TO CHELSEA SET TO SPEED UP

Chelsea's qualification for the Champions League should see a deal for Leverkusen star Havertz speed up, according to Sport Bild.

Leverkusen are in the Europa League last 16, but reportedly do not insist on keeping the Germany international for the rest of the tournament.

Havertz, 21, has scored 17 goals and provided nine assists in 43 games in all competitions this season.

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- Coming out of contract at Milan, Ibrahimovic could be set to extend his stay. CalcioMercato reports the 38-year-old forward is open to accepting a deal worth around €4million, lower than his initial demand of €6m. The report also says Gianluigi Donnarumma, whose deal expires next year, could renew until 2023.

- What's next for Philippe Coutinho? The cover of Sport says the playmaker, who is on loan at Bayern Munich from Barcelona, is considering options to join Arsenal, Tottenham or Leicester City.

- Brescia star Sandro Tonali is linked with a big-money move. CalcioMercato says Inter have agreed terms with the Italy international midfielder and are nearing a €35m agreement with Brescia, while Milan are also reportedly interested in the 20-year-old.

- With Dejan Lovren reportedly set for an exit, Liverpool may have found a replacement. Sport Bild reports the Premier League champions have started talks with Schalke to sign 20-year-old centre-back Ozan Kabak.

- With uncertainty over Kepa Arrizabalaga's future at Chelsea, the Premier League club are said to be looking for a new goalkeeper. Voetbal International reports Chelsea and Leverkusen have strong interest in Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana.

- Edinson Cavani may be close to deciding his future. Todofichajes reports the former Paris Saint-Germain striker is close to agreeing a deal with Benfica.

However, prising Sancho away from Borussia Dortmund is proving difficult.

United, as a result, could be about to walk away.

TOP STORY – UNITED SET TO GIVE UP ON SANCHO

Manchester United are ready to abandon their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho, according to the Mirror.

United have been unable to agree a fee with Dortmund for England sensation Sancho, who is valued at €120million (£108m).

Now, United are willing to give up on Sancho until next year, which could see the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool enter the fray.

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- Marca claims Barcelonahave re-opened talks with Inter regarding star forward Lautaro Martinez. As Barca look to move on veteran Luis Suarez, the embattled LaLiga giants remain keen on Inter's Martinez, despite links to Lyon star Memphis Depay.

- Arsenal have joined Premier League rivals Liverpool in the race to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara, reports the Daily Mail. Thiago is eyeing a switch to Liverpool, though the English champions are believed to be unwilling to meet Bayern's demands.

- According to the Mirror, Barca have been quoted £143m (€158.6m) to sign Richarlison from Everton.

- Tuttosport claims former Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegriis preparing to replace Antonio Conte at Inter. Conte is reportedly set to leave San Siro following one season at the helm.

- Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes, says Fabrizio Romano. Also linked to Napoli, Everton and United, Gabriel will fly to London on Monday to sign a contract until June 2025.

- Romano also claims Chelseawill announce the signing of Leicester City full-back Ben Chilwell in the coming days as the Blues also target Paris Saint-Germain veteran Thiago Silva and continue negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen for Kai Havertz.

- Leicester are considering Ajax left-back Nicolas Tagliafico as a replacement for Chelsea-bound Chilwell, says the Daily Mail.

- Roma star Edin Dzeko only wants to leave the capital club for Juve, reports Tuttosport. Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly sees Dzeko as the perfect strike partner under Andrea Pirlo.

- As new boss Ronald Koeman oversees a Barca rebuild, Sport reports Ajax would demand €55m for Donny van de Beek. The Netherlands international has also been linked to Madrid and United.

- Monaco coach Niko Kovac wants the Ligue 1 side to sign former Dortmund midfielder Mario Gotze, according to Le10 Sport. Gotze is a free agent after leaving Dortmund.

Bale has said he intends to return to Madrid for the final year of his contract.

Spurs' interest in keeping the Wales star beyond this season is not clear as they are in the market for a new head coach after Jose Mourinho's dismissal.

TOP STORY – NEW SPURS BOSS TO DECIDE ON BALE

The Daily Mail reports that Tottenhamchairman Daniel Levy will let the club's new head coach decide whether or not to re-sign Bale.

The option remains for a second loan deal for the Welshman to re-join Spurs from Madrid next season.

Spurs have first option on a second loan but they would require Bale's agreement, although he appears out of favour in Madrid.

Triggering the clause will cost Tottenham £12million.

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- Borussia Dortmund's asking price for Jadon Sancho is down to £87m (€100m) according to ESPN, which may interest Manchester United and Liverpool. Dortmund previously demanded more than £100m (€115m) for the England midfielder.

- Arsenalare interested in signing Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara, with a five-year deal on the table, according to Football Insider.

- The Athletic claims Brentford striker Ivan Toney is drawing interest from Leicester City and Evertonas well as a "host of clubs" preparing bids for his services.

- Newcastle United are considering a move for Vitesse defender Danilho Doekhi, reports De Telegraaf.

- Bayer Leverkusenare in the mix to sign Santos' teenage forward Kaio Jorge, claims Kicker.