Manchester United are reportedly set to discuss a potential swap deal for Croatian forward Mario Mandzukic, which will see Matteo Darmian join Juventus.
According to a report by Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, Manchester United are weighing up the prospect of signing long-time target Mario Mandzukic in a swap deal. The Premier League giants are prepared to offer Matteo Darmian as part of this deal to sign the Croatian forward, who is believed to have no future at Juventus.
Mario Mandzukic has found a new lease of life in his career since joining Juventus from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2015. In the four years that he has been with the Bianconeri, the Croatian international has played a key role in the Italian outfit’s domestic domination, amassing 162 appearances, with a return of 44 goals and 24 assists.
The veteran striker has also experienced mild success at international level, as Croatia finished runners-up at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. But, after four fruitful seasons, with Juventus, the 33-year-old appears to have no future at the Allianz Stadium, following the appointment of Maurizio Sarri as the club’s manager.
The report suggests that Mandzukic does not feature in the Italian tactician’s plans and is set for a move away from Turin this summer. And, lurking with their interest in the player are Manchester United.
The Premier League heavyweights hold a long-standing interest in the Croatian forward, having also attempted to sign him last summer. But, even though then-manager Jose Mourinho may no longer be at the helm at Old Trafford, Manchester United appear to still be keen on signing him.
With his qualities, Mandzukic could be a short-term solution in various positions, as and when required. And, even though Manchester United appear to be inching closer to signing Wissam Ben Yedder, having another option of a striker in Mandzukic could be a positive for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has regularly used a 4-4-2 formation, seeing as Romelu Lukaku is set to leave.
And, in order to sweeten the pot for Juventus, Manchester United are also prepared to offer Matteo Darmian as part of a swap deal that would see Mandzukic make his way to Old Trafford. The Italian full-back has been courted by the Serie A champions for quite some time now.
Following the arrival of Aaron Wan-Bissaka last week, Solskjaer has more than enough right-backs at his disposal, meaning Darmian is likely to be surplus to requirements. With Joao Cancelo facing an uncertain future at the Allianz Stadium and Luca Pellegrini expected to be sent out on loan, as per the report, signing the Manchester United outcast could be invaluable for Juventus.
Manchester United and Juventus are thus, set to discuss the possibility of a swap deal. And, in what looks like a deal that could benefit both parties, it remains to be seen if the moves can see the light of the day.
