Bayern Munich legend Franz Beckenbauer has revealed that Mario Mandzukic could leave the club in the summer.
The Croatia international, 27, has been tipped to become the No. 2 striker at the Allianz Arena when Robert Lewandowski arrives from Borussia Dortmund after the World Cup finals in Brazil.
“Mandzukic could pack his bags. I see Lewandowski in the attack, his playing style is suited for Guardiola’s ideas than that of Manduzkic,”Beckenbauer told German sports magazine 11freunde, as per Sky Sports.
“There are even more reasons why he could leave – even without him, Guardiola could still count on Thomas Mueller and Mario Goetze in attack.”
Mandzukic, whose current contract expires in the summer of 2016, has bagged 13 goals in 26 appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga champions this season.
United agree deal for Mata; Rooney nears contract extension
In other news, Manchester United have agreed a club record fee for the transfer of Chelsea No. 10 Juan Mata.
Mata, 25, joined Chelsea from Valencia in a deal worth £23.5 million in August 2011.
The 25-year-old Spain international is the Blues’ two-time Player of the Year (2011-12, 2012-13) and was named to the Premier League PFA Team of the Year last season.
The deal, believed to be worth £37 million, is subject to a medical and personal terms.
The imminent signing of Mata has led to progress in contract talks with Wayne Rooney, with The Telegraph reporting the forward is close to putting pen to paper on a new £300,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford.
Rooney, 27, has been one of the few bright spots for the Red Devils this season but is currently sidelined due to injury.
As a result, Danny Welbeck, has scored six goals in his last seven English Premier League appearances, is priced at 15/4 to open the scoring when United host Cardiff City on Tuesday, 28 January 2014.
Olympiakos sign Abdisalam Ibrahim
Superleague Greece giants Olympiakos have completed the signing of former Manchester City midfielder Abdisalam Ibrahim on a free transfer.
The Somalian-born Norway international, 22, was attracting interest from a number of European clubs, including Welsh duo Cardiff City and Swansea City, before agreeing to join the Greek champions.
In addition, Olympiakos have agreed to loan the 22-year-old to Ergotelis Crete until the end of the season.
“Olympiakos announces the acquisition of Abdisalam Ibrahim for the next three-and-a-half years,” revealed a statement on the club’s official website.
Ibrahim was released by Manchester City earlier this week, having made just three first-team appearances for the Sky Blues.
The defensive midfielder helped Norwegian side Stromsgodset win the Tippeligaen last season.
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