Man Utd set to be dealt Mandzukic blow as Juventus circle

Manchester United could be about to suffer a blow in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid’s Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic, with Italian champions Juventus set to bid for the 29-year-old, as per the Daily Star.

Mandzukic is said to be available for transfer this summer having endured problems at the Vicente Calderon. United are in the market for a new striker after Radamel Falcao’s failed loan spell from Monaco, in which he scored just four Premier League goals in 26 games.

Atleti boss Diego Simeone recently fuelled the fire by suggesting Mandzukic annoys him (Daily Mail), despite him scoring 20 goals for Los Rojiblancos last season, helping the club to third place in La Liga. Champions League finalist Juve, who have also been linked with United striker Robin van Persie (Daily Mail), could be set to take the former Bayern Munich striker to Turin.

This will come as a huge disappointment to Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal, with Mandzukic the latest striker linked with the club in recent weeks. Goals were at a premium at Old Trafford last season, despite the big names at van Gaal’s disposal. Captain Wayne Rooney was top scorer with 12, as he edged closer to Bobby Charlton’s club record of 249. The 29-year-old is just 19 behind.