On course to its rebuilding efforts, Manchester United continues to scout for talents that will beef up the struggling club. The latest reports indicated that the Red Devils have agreed in principle with Juventus for the transfer of Mario Mandzukic in time for the winter transfer window.
Claims made by Italian media stated that Juventus, which supposedly has already written off Mandzukic for possible transfer deals in January, is now attached in an agreement with United. To be clear, there was no contract signing yet as the report by SportWitness made use of the term "verbal agreement," meaning the deal is far from written in stone.
That being said, Mandzukic leaving Turin for Old Trafford is far from locked as the report noted that other European teams had expressed interest in having the Croatian on their respective rosters. Interestingly though, not one specific name was dropped, so it can be assumed United has the lead to welcome Mandzukic once he gets to shed the Juventus jersey.
In a related report, the Mirror said that while United is dead serious in acquiring the Juventus forward it's unlikely that an upcoming deal will lead to a windfall for the player. That's because the Red Devils would like to see first if Mandzukic will click with the club, and if he does, then he'd be getting his preferred contract.
"United will likely offer him a one-season deal, given Mandzukic's age, before splashing serious cash on a new signing in the summer transfer window," the report said.
Meanwhile, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ramping up on the mission to beef up the Devils lineup and Metro reported that the English club is "looking at bringing in four new faces in the coming windows - though there could be even more new arrivals at Old Trafford."
The United board and Solskjaer have been engaged in "extensive meetings," in recent days purportedly to discuss the potential targets, the report added.
During these meetings, it was likewise concluded that United lacks at least six reliable players, and the club plans to correct the problem by pursuing major acquisitions in the coming two summer transfer windows.
That would call for Solskjaer making four key signings in the summer of 2020 and another four in the following year. This will be apart from the hiring that is seen to happen in the coming new year, in which Mandzukic is expected to join the Red Devils.
Metro said the marching orders for Solskjaer is to never compromise on the quality of fresh recruits and focus on young, talented, and hungry British talents. It is estimated that Manchester United will require at least three years in implementing the overhaul that the Norwegian envisions.
