Transfer news: Manchester United and Arsenal show interest in Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic - reports

Bayern frontman becomes a target for English duo as Robert Lewandowski is set to arrive in Munich

Samuel Stevens
Monday 06 January 2014 11:08 GMT
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Mario Mandzukic, an old-fashioned target man
Mario Mandzukic, an old-fashioned target man

Embattled Manchester United manager David Moyes is understood to have turned his attentions to Bayern Munich forward Mario Mandzukic after the German champions confirmed that Robert Lewandowski will sign for the club in the summer.

Despite scoring twelve goals in twenty-one appearances for Bayern, Mandzukic has long been aware of his club’s unrelenting interest in bringing Borussia Dortmund’s out-of-contract Polish superstar to the Allianz Arena.

The Express also report that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is considering making an approach for the Croatian in the wake of the injury crisis which has left the Premier League leaders with only Lukas Podolski as a recognised forward.

Still undefeated in the Bundesliga, Bayern have continued the impervious form which saw them win an unprecedented treble into the current campaign under former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola.

With an embarrassment of riches, however, Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has refuted any claims that Mandzukic would be making way for Lewandowski.

He said: “We're very happy with Mario. He made a major contribution to us winning so many titles last year, I just have to think back to the goal in London.

“He's a fantastic player who has come on leaps and bounds with Bayern.

“His contract runs until 2016 and I told his advisor in Marrakech that we would be willing to talk about an extension. We have absolutely no intention of selling Mario.”

Moyes on the other hand, on the back of United's 2-1 home defeat to Swansea City in the FA Cup third round, doubts any significant deals can be done this month.

He said: "I think most of the business will be more towards the summer rather than January.

"We have a good, big squad that is getting stretched at the moment because of the number of games."

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