West Ham are unlikely to sign Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic, according to reliable source ExWHUemployee.
A report in the Mirror had suggested that the Hammers are keen on pursuing a loan deal for the 33-year-old, who did not make the cut for Juve’s Champions League squad.
But Ex has disputed this claim.
When asked if there was any truth in the matter on Twitter, he wrote on his personal account: “I don’t think so.
“I think it’s an old recycled Bilic target.”
OPINION
Truth be told, this is probably a good thing for West Ham. Mandzukic is a big name with plenty of big game experience having scored in both a Champions League and World Cup final. But the fact of the matter is that he is 33 now, and his best days are behind him. Even last season, when he was still an integral part of that Juve side, he only managed 1.2 shots and 1.2 key passes per game, as per Whoscored. Those numbers aren’t appalling, but for a top level striker coming from one of Europe’s traditional elite clubs, they are a little underwhelming. It feels as if Manuel Pellegrini is trying to move away from big name signings with large wages and inflated reputations in favour of young, hungry players with a point to prove. Unfortunately, Mandzukic falls into the former category. The Hammers may be better off looking elsewhere for cover.
