Manchester United plan to sign Mandzukic in January - Juve to let him leave for free?

One day before the transfer window in Qatar closed on Sunday, Al Rayyan Sports Club had ended speculations over a possible move for striker Mario Mandzukic (photo) on Twitter. Negotiations had been suspended and a transfer was of the table. The Athletic now report that the future of the 33-year-old striker could rather lie at Manchester United.

The Red Devils reportedly want to acquire the services of the Croat in the winter transfer window. Already in summer, the Premier League club was understood to be closing in on the forward but as Romelu Lukaku (26) only left for Inter on deadline day, there was not enough time to complete a deal.

Only two centre-forwards Man United's current squad Continue to overview It is obvious that United have to bolster their attacking options. Neither Lukaku nor Alexis Sánchez (30), who also joined Inter on loan, had been replaced adequately and the club only scored more than once in one of their eight competitive games this season. “When we let Alexis and Romelu go, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see that it’s forwards that next time we’re going to recruit. We’re looking for some creativity and goals,” manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made clear.

Mandzukic without an appearance for Juve so far

Man United could fall on sympathetic ears with their interest in Mandzukic at his current club Juventus. The striker has not been called up to Juve’s Champions League squad by new head coach Maurizio Sarri and is yet to feature in any competition for the Italian titleholders this season. To save his wages, Juve are reportedly willing to let the player, whose current contract is running until 2021, leave on a free transfer.

Mandzukic himself, who was linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund and his former club Bayern Munich as well over the summer, is said to prefer a switch to Manchester as well. According to the report, he would only get a deal for six or 18 months at Old Trafford, however, because of his age.