Man Utd Steal March On Liverpool After Opening Talks For €25m Striker

As the opening of the summer transfer window approaches, managers are working hard identifying targets and lining-up potential deals so we’ll bring you all the news and gossip. Today, Man Utd open talks for Mario Mandzukic….

Manchester United have stolen a march on Liverpool after opening talks with Atletico Madrid over a potential €25m deal for striker Mario Mandzukic, according to reports.

The Croatian international only joined Atletico from Bayern Munich in a £16m deal last summer but after enjoying an excellent start to life in Spain which saw him score 20 goals before the end of February, his form dipped dramatically during the closing stages of the season.

Mandzukic reportedly had a busy up with coaching staff and eventually lost his first team place in Diego Simeone’s starting eleven having failed to find the target since their 3-0 win over Almeria on February 21, and he’s now expected to be sold this summer.

Reports last month claimed that Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers had identified Mandzukic as a key target and was ready to try and lure the 29-year-old to Anfield as he looks to add more fire-power to a team that scored just 52 league goals last season.

However, speculation last week suggested that Manchester United have also entered the chase and the Metro claim the Red Devils are now in formal talks with Atletico over a potential €25m (£18m) deal.

The newspaper states the Spaniard’s are already lining-up Juventus striker Carlos Tevez as a replacement, so it’s just a matter of time before Mandzukic is sold and a move to Old Trafford could now be on the cards.

Louis van Gaal is expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer and with the future of Robin van Persie is doubt and Radamel Falcao sent back to Monaco following a disappointing loan spell, a striker is going to be needed.

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Mandzukic certainly has some pedigree as he’s played at the highest level for Bayern and Atletico in recent seasons and his goal-scoring record has been around 1 in 2 at both clubs, so he’ll bring an added threat in front of goal.

We’ll have to wait and see how things develop over the coming weeks but I think the Croatian would be a very shrewd signing from van Gaal if United end up pulling it off.