Report: Marco Silva ‘likes’ Juventus ace Mario Mandzukic

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Everton manager Marco Silva is fond of Juventus forward Mario Mandzukic, according to The Liverpool Echo.

Apparently the Portuguese would like to recruit an experienced target man, with the 6ft 3in ace Croatia international fitting the bill.

If a move is to happen though, the club need to slash their wage bill.

Mandzukic has played for some of Europe’s top clubs, including Juve, Bayern Munich, and Atletico Madrid and won a host of trophies during his time as a professional.

He has been tipped to leave the Allianz Stadium this summer, having entered into the final year of his contract.

Silva’s interest is certainly intriguing, especially given director of football Marcel Brands’ supposed transfer policy.

TBR’s view

Mandzukic – who featured for his country in last summer’s World Cup final – could potentially be a great addition for the Toffees.

He is a man of vast experience and is no stranger to winning things in the past.

He may be nearing the end of his career, but he undoubtedly still has things to offer.

The ace has never relied on speed and mobility – he is more about contesting for balls in the air, bringing it down and bringing others into play. That said, he does have the versatility to play out wide if needed.

He is also about sticking chances away from inside the box – something the club had trouble with at times last season.

Brands favours younger players with high potential sell on value, but Mandzukic, depending on price, could be very shrewd business if he isn’t the only striker coming in this summer.