Solskjaer’s priority: Man Utd eye new year move for Juventus striker Mandzukic

Mandzukic linked again

Mired in mid-table mediocrity just weeks into the season, could Manchester United go on the mother of all spending sprees in the new year?

That’s the growing feeling in the media, and according to the Daily Star Mario Mandzukic is a priority for United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

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The paper claims that the Juventus striker is “keen to end his career in the Premier League” and a transfer is on the cards in the January window.

Linked to Old Trafford in the summer, the 33-year-old is long in the tooth but apparently Solskjaer believes his experience could be vital for the United squad.

Italian newspaper Tuttosport says the Croatian marksman is struggling for game time in Turin under new Juve boss Maurizio Sarri.

A move to Qatar was mooted earlier in the month but it’s believed Mandzukic still thinks he has two years left in him at the top level of European football.

Red rivals tussle for Maddison

Liverpool will battle Man Utd for the hand of James Maddison in January, the Daily Express reports.

The 22-year-old midfielder was linked to Old Trafford in the summer, but Liverpool now have their eye on the Leicester City playmaker, and apparently manager Jurgen Klopp sees Maddison as the “new Philippe Coutinho”.

Liverpool didn’t splash the cash in the summer transfer market but that parsimony is expected to evaporate in January as Klopp strengthens his squad for what he hopes will be a title run-in.

Rojo to go-go

One player who might be on his way out of Old Trafford is 29-year-old defender Marcos Rojo, who, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato, is on the radar of Fenerbahce.

The Turkish outfit are keen to entice Rojo to their squad and that could suit United with Solskjaer no longer having much faith in the South American stopper.

Injuries have hindered the Argentine’s progress in recent months, and the arrival in the summer of Harry Maguire is another reason for Rojo to believe his days are numbered.