West Ham United could be back in the running to sign Mario Mandzukic after a shock twist over the striker’s future.
West Ham have reportedly been in the running to sign Mandzukic from Juventus since the summer.
But the Hammers looked set to miss out on their long-standing target after he agreed a deal to move to Qatar at the weekend.
The likes of The Mirror have reported that West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini has been pushing to sign the 245-goal striker, who has been frozen out at Juve under Maurizio Sarri.
West Ham long linked with Mario
The Mirror claimed West Ham wanted to sign the 33-year-old Croatian on loan in January despite reservations about his age.
Mandzukic has scored 212 club goals in a superb career and a further 33 for his national team.
The veteran forward was linked with West Ham under Slaven Bilic and in Pellegrini’s first window in charge last summer too.
Mandzukic’s time in Italy looks certain to come to an end in January.
According to Italian journalist Nicolo Schira, Mandzukic was set for a move to Qatari side Al Duhail.
Striker was set for Qatar move
“White smoke after passing medical examinations for Mario Mandzukic With the’ Al Duhail,” Schira said on Twitter.
“The Croatian will earn a total of 12 million euros. Contract until 2021.”
But an 11th hour twist could open the door for West Ham again.
Tuttomercatoweb claims the move is off over a ‘difference in wages’.
Door open for Hammers as move breaks down?
Wages would not be a problem for West Ham.
The club slashed over £700,000 off their weekly wage bill in the summer.
Manuel Pellegrini has been left woefully short in several key areas this season, particularly up front.
Sebastien Haller has cut a lonely figure but looked a different prospect entirely alongside Michail Antonio last time out.
Mandzukic may be nearing the end of his career but an 18 month deal would suit all parties.
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