Manchester United are reportedly confident of striking an agreement to sign Mario Mandzukic from Juventus when the transfer window reopens in less than three months’ time.
Mandzukic was fancied to replace Romelu Lukaku at United over the summer but a deal failed to materialise with his representatives feeling rushed over the decision.
The Croatian striker has continued to be regularly linked with a move to the Red Devils and Goal.com claims that could become a realistic possibility during the January transfer window.
The same outlet claims that a fee of around £9m could be sufficient to push through a transfer while Mandzukic stands to earn around £4.4m annually in an 18-month contract with the club.
At 33, Mandzukic won’t be more than a short-term option to lead the line but he would nonetheless provide a refreshing sight, considering he is capable of holding-up play and provides an aerial presence in the box.
While the club have focused on the development of young British players, it can’t be ignored that the success from the past has resulted from commanding and experienced personnel such as Robin van Persie and Zlatan Ibrahimovic starting upfront.
Mandzukic won’t drastically change the club’s fortunes with his presence in the frontline but he is still a natural striker when compared to Marcus Rashford, who has been poor with his positioning and finishing this season.
Meanwhile, Anthony Martial has shown that he can be a better finisher when compared to Rashford but the Frenchman has yet to find the consistency to make the centre-forward position his own.
Martial has been out of contention since the end of August with a hamstring concern but he has been fancied to make his comeback during the forthcoming Premier League clash against Liverpool at Old Trafford.