Mario Mandzukic’s future at Juventus is up in the air following his exclusion from the side’s 22-man squad for the Champions League group stages.
Maurizio Sarri’s camp reportedly wanted to strike him off their books during the summer transfer window, but a move didn’t materialise.
The striker could be handed his marching orders in January, as per Goal, and here are three clubs who should try to make him sign on the dotted line in January.
Manchester United
Following the departures of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez to Inter Milan, Manchester United have a dearth of forwards as Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are the only two options.
With Europa League and domestic commitments to cater to, they will need depth in their squad. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must add at least one more experience forward in January, as an injury to either Martial or Rashford could stretch the club’s resources.
Mandzukic, owing to his experience, would be a valuable addition to the club, and he also has the winning mentality having played for big sides like Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid in the past.
Borussia Dortmund
The former Croatian international could be a decent signing for German giants Borussia Dortmund. With Paco Alcacer being the only striker on their books, Mandzukic could offer him competition for a place in the starting lineup.
He has had successful spells at Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich in the past and it goes without saying that he knows his way in the German top flight. Besides, he is a clever goal-getter and could put the finishing touches to the Dortmund attacks, considering Lucien Favre’s side see a lot of the ball.
Mandzukic is a strong centre-forward, and could also offer then something different to Alcacer, as the Ruhr based side can switch to a plan B and play a more direct game
West Ham United
The Mirror have claimed that West Ham United are lining up to secure the signature of Mandzukic in January. The 33-year-old hasn’t featured for Juventus this season and a move to the London Stadium could come as a lifeline for him.
Manuel Pellegrini is currently dealing with a mini-crisis at the moment, following the departures of Andy Carroll, Lucas Perez, Marko Arnautovic, and Javier Hernandez. Further, Michail Antonio is also out with a serious injury.
Antonio could be on the side-lines for five months, leaving Sebastien Haller and Albian Ajeti as the only senior options for Pellegrini. Therefore, it would make a lot of sense if West Ham United go for Mandzukic.