MARIO MANDZUKIC has “promised” himself to Manchester United in January to escape his Juventus woe.
That’s the claim from Italy’s Tuttosport, who say the 33-year-old Croatia striker has reversed his reluctance over an Old Trafford move.
Mario Mandzukic has been at Juventus for four years but is said to be interested in man Utd after losing his first-team placeCredit: Getty – Contributor
Mandzukic, whose extra-time goal saw off England 2-1 in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, has yet to play even a single minute for Serie A champions Juve this season.
Not only is the former Bayern Munich star now training alone, he was exiled from the Old Lady’s Christmas party last Wednesday.
And after Mandzukic dropped down the pecking order under ex-Chelsea chief Maurizio Sarri, everything points to an exit in next month’s transfer window.
Despite his £300,000-a-week contract running until 2021, Mandzukic was strongly linked to United over the summer.
But he was said to favour a return to Germany, where he spent two years apiece with Wolfsburg and Bayern.
Just last month, though, Juventus reportedly sent director of football Fabio Paratici to London to discuss a deal with United, for around £13million.
Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has favoured bringing in younger players, but his squad also needs back-up and perhaps some experience.
So Mandzukic is back in the spotlight for a January move
It might prompt Juventus to make a cheeky offer for their old boy Paul Pogba.
But Real Madrid would remain the frontrunners if United do decide to cash in on their French world Cup winner, 26.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
