Tottenham have been linked with an unlikely move for Mario Mandzukic – and West Ham are also believed to be keen.
According to Calcio Mercato, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are lining up January moves for Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic.
Mandzukic, 30, has played for some of Europe’s biggest clubs over the last five years, turning out for Wolfsburg, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and now Juventus.
The Croatian hitman scored 13 goals in his first season with Juventus last term, but has started just nine games so far this season, as Gonzalo Higuain’s arrival from Napoli over the summer has cut into his playing time.
Croatia’s Mario Mandzukic applauds fans
Now, Calcio Mercato report that Mandzukic is considering his future at Juventus, as he wants to play first-team football elsewhere – and teams are allegedly lining up to sign him during the January transfer window.
It’s claimed that Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are both looking to bring Mandzukic to the Premier League, whilst Paris Saint-Germain are also keen, Mandzukic has been told that he’s that he’s exactly what manager Unai Emery wants in attack.
Juventus’ Mario Mandzukic (L) in action against Inter Milan’s Miranda (R)
A proven goalscorer in Europe, Mandzukic is bound to attract major interest, but a move to Tottenham doesn’t really make much sense. Spurs already have Harry Kane, meaning Mandzukic wouldn’t play much more first-team football than he does at Juventus, whilst manager Mauricio Pochettino still believes in summer signing Vincent Janssen despite a slow start to life since his move from AZ Alkmaar.
However, signing for West Ham seems to be more realistic. Slaven Bilic managed Mandzukic during his time in charge of the Croatian national team, giving him his debut. The Hammers tried and failed to sign a big-name striker over the summer, and Mandzukic fits the bill perfectly.
Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic
West Ham’s best striker, Andy Carroll, is too injury-prone to count upon, and Mandzukic can offer similar attributes; height, strength and aerial ability, giving Dimitri Payet a target to aim for with his crossing ability.
Mandzukic may come at a high cost, but he would be just what West Ham are looking for right now – and Bilic will be hoping that his prior relationship with the striker can help him win the race for his signature.
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