West Ham join Besiktas in race for Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic
Hammers eye 30-year-old Croatian striker as they look to add more firepower to the squad at the London Stadium
WEST HAM are considering making a summer bid to sign Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic.
The Hammers have highlighted the 30-year-old Croation as they desperately try to find a regular goalscorer to lead their attack at the London Stadium.
The constant fitness issues surrounding Andy Carroll have forced manager Slaven Bilic to prioritise signing at least one attacker over the summer.
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Mandzukic has been on the club’s radar for the last 18 months and Bilic made an enquiry last year but was rebuffed by the Serie A club.
But Juventus are now understood to be open to the idea of selling the former Bayern Munich star at the end of this season – putting the Hammers on alert.
Mandzukic enjoyed two prolific seasons at Bayern, scoring 33 goals in 54 appearances for the German club and also won the Champions League in 2013.
He then moved to Aletico Madrid in 2014 and continued to show his goalscoring talents by netting 20 times in 40 games -a record that prompted Juve to sign him two years ago.
Since moving to Italy he has been less prolific, but he is still regarded as a top class forward who could succeed in the Premier League.
And Talksport suggest the Hammers are considering making their move once the summer transfer window opens – although Turkish club Besiktas also have an interest.
But West Ham would be able to put together a far better financial package than Besiktas as well as offering the Croat his first chance at making an impact in English football.
