Mandzukic on the move
Mario Mandzukic is “planning on starting training” with Manchester United next month as he edges nearer to an Old Trafford deal in January.
The 33-year-old was linked to the Red Devils in the summer and although a deal fell through Juventus are now ready to offload the veteran striker.
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Croatian Mandzukic hasn’t played one game for Juve this season after falling out of favour with head coach Maurizio Sarri.
Money talks
The Sun claims that the two clubs are “close to an agreement” and Mandzukic could be granted special permission to begin training with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side early.
That’s what Italian outlet Tuttosport says, adding that the Turin club have sent their director of football Fabio Paratici to London to “thrash out a deal” with United for Mandzukic.
But the Daily Express reports that talks have not gone well with United refusing to meet the Juve’s £8.5m asking price. Instead they are prepared to offer just £2.5m for the marksman.
As a result, they could lose out to Qatari club Al Duhail SC, who are ready to offer Mandzukic a whopping £6.4m-a-year.
Out in front
TalkSPORT reports that United are the “frontrunners” to land highly-rated striker Erling Braut Haaland.
The Red Bull Salzburg star has been in wondrous form this season, netting 26 times in just 18 appearances, including seven goals in four Champions League matches, and Solskjaer is desperate to bring the 19-year-old Norwegian to Old Trafford.
The two crossed paths at Molde and talkSPORT says that connection could well help United beat off competition from Real Madrid, Juventus and Barcelona.
In a recent interview Haaland said: “I have dreamed of playing for the best clubs in the world my whole life, and I especially like English football.”
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