The Hammers are believed to be interested in the Juve and Croatia striker but so are Los Angeles FC according to reports.
Reported West Ham United transfer target Mario Mandzukic is edging closer to a move to Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC, according to a report in Calciomercato.
The Croatian striker, 33, has scored 44 goals in 162 games for Juventus since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2015, but his time with the Serie A club may be coming to an end.
New Juve boss Maurizio Sarri has left Mandzukic out of the club’s squad for their Champions League campaign, heavily suggesting that he could be deemed surplus to his requirements.
The Mirror sparked speculation earlier in September when they claimed that the 6ft 2in veteran marksman, who is closing in on 200 professional career goals (Transfermarkt), is on the radar of the Hammers with a view to a potential January move.
However, following subsequent reports of interest in Mandzukic from Qatar – supposedly turned down by the player according to Tuttosport – it has now been claimed by Calciomercato that the Californian side is now showing the “most interest” in him.
One thing that is worth remembering, and which could work in West Ham’s favour, is the fact that Mandzukic would not be able to play for a club in the MLS until 2020, as the league has already frozen its rosters for the remainder of the 2019 regular season and playoffs (ESPN).
Given the MLS season usually begins around March time, the 2013 Champions League winner (Transfermarkt) would have a long wait before he can get competitive action, while at West Ham he could be drafted into the first team and get stuck in from January onwards – and that’s before mentioning the higher prestige of playing in the Premier League.
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