West Ham United are reportedly looking at Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic.
Croatia’s Mario Mandzukic applauds fans
According to Tuttosport, as cited by Tutto Mercato Web, West Ham United are in the race to sign Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic should he be sold this summer.
Mandzukic, 30, has played for some huge clubs since leaving Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2010, as he joined Wolfsburg before major moves to Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Juventus.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic
With a combined 81 goals during spells with Bayern, Atletico and Juve, Mandzukic has become one of the most well-known strikers in Europe over the last few years, but his position in Turin is in some doubt.
Tutto Mercato Web cite claims from Italian newspaper Tuttosport which suggest that, with Juventus keen on signing either Karim Benzema, Gonzalo Higuain or Mauro Icardi, the Serie A champions could cash in on Mandzukic and use the funds to sign a new striker this summer.
Croatia’s Vedran Corluka and Mario Mandzukic react after drawing with Czech Republic at Euro 2016
It’s added that there are three main suitors for Mandzukic right now, with West Ham United in the mix alongside Juve’s Serie A rivals Inter Milan and Napoli.
A move to West Ham would be particularly interesting, given Mandzukic’s relationship with Hammers boss Slaven Bilic. It was former Croatia boss Bilic who handed Mandzukic his international debut back in November 2007, and named the striker in his squad for the 2012 European Championships.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic
With West Ham seeking to sign a big-name striker this summer, Mandzukic – a powerful, aerially dominant striker – would fit the bill perfectly, and whilst Inter or Napoli could be appealing moves, the chance to reunite with Bilic at the Olympic Stadium could be enough to swing the race in West Ham’s favour.
Any fee and wages for Mandzukic are bound to be lofty, and West Ham’s recent troubles on the striker front mean that a move for Croatian star Mandzukic may be deemed ambitious or even far-fetched – but given just how popular Bilic is as a manager, working with him again could help negate some financial concerns over a move for Mandzukic.
Would you like to see Mandzukic sign for West Ham?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
