Mario Mandzukic: Juventus sporting director “open” to striker leaving before January window

Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici says Mario Mandzukic is in discussions about his future with the club ahead of a possible January transfer.
Mandzukic, who was linked with Manchester United in the summer transfer window, currently isn’t training with the Juventus first-team and could soon be out of the door.
Do Man Utd need Mandzukic? Five things to know…
- Mandzukic is not training with Juventus ahead of a possible January exit.
- The Croatia international was linked with Manchester United in the summer.
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer failed to bring in a direct replacement for Romelu Lukaku.
- Mandzukic’s name was mentioned when United were in talks over Paulo Dybala.
- The Red Devils have scored just 10 goals in nine Premier League games this term.
The 33-year-old is currently behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala in the pecking order of Juventus forwards, yet to feature in the league and not registered for their Champions League group stage squad.
And Paratici has suggested Mandzukic may be allowed to train with another club before leaving for good in January – if he doesn’t want to stay in Turin.
“We are talking to Mandzukic to find the best possible solution,” Paratici said.
“We remain open to any scenario, so staying here or going elsewhere. We are discussing it to find the best solution for both parties.”
Dybala, who almost left Juventus in the summer but is now playing ahead of Mandzukic, scored twice as Juventus came from behind to beat Lokomotiv Moscow in the Champions League this week.
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“Mandzukic is not training with us”
Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri confirmed last week that Mandzukic has not been joining his teammates in first-team training.
But the former Chelsea boss suggested he is also open to Mandzukic staying put if that’s what he desires.
“Mandzukic is not training with us, in agreement with the club,” Sarri said. “If the agreement changes, I am open to everything.”
With Manchester United still on the lookout for a replacement for Romelu Lukaku, Mandzukic may be high on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s list of targets.