Chinese Super League club Beijing Guoan could be about to bid €35million (or £29.5million) for Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.
The Croatian international is currently a regular for Juve but speculation has been increasing over the player’s future at the Serie A club. The 30 year old has been linked with a switch to West Ham to join up with his former Croatia boss Slaven Bilic.
If Beijing’s bid is a serious one though, it is unlikely the Hammers would be able to compete. It is believed the London club have to sell before they buy during the January transfer window, and despite the riches of the Premier League, Chinese clubs can offer wages they can even outdo the top English clubs.
Much will depend on Mandzukic’s own desire to remain in Europe and to stay playing competitively in a top league. Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with Mandzukic in recent days as part of a swap deal with Gregorz Krychowiak, which would also be a another stumbling block for the Hammers.
