According to reports on talkSPORT, West Ham will face competition from Besiktas if they want to sign Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic this summer.
What’s the story, then?
With Andy Carroll being linked with a move away from the London Stadium this summer, according to the Daily Star, the Irons are said to be keen on bringing a new striker in at the end of the season.
The former Bayern Munich man is understood to be high on manager Slaven Bilic’s list, although he will have to battle Turkish giants Besiktas for his compatriot’s signature, as they look to replace Mario Gomez.
How is he doing this season?
Mandzukic is certainly still showing that he is a key man for Juve this term, making 34 appearances in all competitions and scoring seven goals as the club look set to win yet another Serie A title.
Why would Juventus want to let him go?
Well, the 30-year-old’s contract runs out in the summer of 2018 and there is yet to be any discussions over a new deal, which has put his future with the Old Lady into doubt.
Juve may look to find a younger alternative at the end of the season as they look to build for the future.
Would he be a success in the Premier League?
The Croatian, who has netted 29 caps in 74 caps for his country, has proven that he is a top-class finisher over the course of his career, and there is no reason why he can’t bring that form to England. Just look at Ibrahimovic.
Slaven Bilic also knows him well having worked with the striker when he was Croatia manager, which would help Mandzukic settle in to life in east London.
