Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will likely have one puzzle solved by January following reports that Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic could be signing with the Red Devils soon. Apparently, the latest update on the subject came from an official of the Serie A club.
Talks are now ongoing between Mandzukic and the Old Lady dugout, and supposedly the Italian club is open on the possibility that the Croatian will leave for England soon. However, the chance remains that the striker will stay with Juventus.
Per the report from Express though, it seemed more likely that Mandzukic will move out due to the game plan by Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri that does not feature the striker.
According to Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici, the club is talking things out with Mandzukic, and the goal is "to find the best solution for both parties."
"We are talking to Mandzukic to find the best possible solution. We remain open to any scenario, so staying here or going elsewhere," the Juventus official said.
Solskjaer's interest in Mandzukic is understandable as the striker is a proven goalscorer with a record of 20 goals per season just a few years back. With Juventus open for negotiations and Mandzukic reportedly willing to cut his paycheck, it seemed more possible now for United to acquire the prolific striker.
United has previously expressed interest in signing the Croatian, but the latter's pay demand of £300,000 per week proved too much for the Reds. Reports said Mandzukic is now more flexible and willing to get half of his original asking price, which Solskjaer may find more acceptable.
Metro said Mandzukic's entry on the Reds roster would boost the club's scoring capability, which was diminished by the summer departure of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez. It was understood that in hiring the Croatian, Solskjaer would temporarily set aside his rebuilding blueprint for United.
The Norwegian has made no secret that in beefing up the Reds roster, he favors the recruitment of younger British players. However, United badly needs to make improvements, and Mandzukic offers the immediate answer to the club's problems.
Mandzukic coming in is still in line with the plan by Solskjaer to attract veteran talents that will guide the young United roster, Fox Sports reported.
"If there are players available and at the right price, I'm sure we will spend. There might be some experienced players who can come in and help the younger players - that might be worth the money," the club boss was reported as saying.
It helped too that Solskjaer is a fan of Mandzukic and views the Croatian's experience as vital to the young members of the Red Devils.
