Man Utd transfer boost as they 'reach verbal agreement' to sign Juventus striker Mandzukic

Mario Mandzukic has allegedly 'verbally agreed' a deal to join Manchester United on January 1 Credit: Getty

MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly reached a “verbal agreement” to sign Mario Mandzukic from Juventus in January.

The Croatian international striker almost joined the Red Devils last summer but opted to stay in Turin.

But he has been frozen out by the Serie A giants this season – and now TuttoSport claim his camp have agreed terms for him to join United once the transfer window re-opens.

Mandzukic, who turns 34 in May, snubbed a £7m-a-year deal to join Qatar outfit Al Rayyan last month.

Now he appears set to be heading to Old Trafford in a huge boost for under-pressure Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Norwegian was only thwarted in his attempt to snap him up in August due to the lengthy haggling it took to finally get Romelu Lukaku out of the door to Inter Milan.

Mandzukic is still high on his wishlist and United are believed to offering him a short-term contract of either six or 18 months to help bolster their attack.

The 6ft 3in forward would bring an aerial threat to Solskjaer’s attack that has been missing since Lukaku’s departure.

He has bagged 44 times in 162 appearances for Juventus in his four years at the club, but he has been left out by new manager Maurizio Sarri this campaign.

Now the ex-Bayern Munich man has his heart set on Old Trafford.

And a switch to England would complete the set of Europe’s top leagues for the hotshot, who also scored 20 goals during a season at Atletico Madrid.