Manchester United Transfer News: Mario Mandzukic Deal Looms, Latest Rumours

Manchester United "have been offered" Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic, according to Simon Jones of the MailOnline.

The Sun's Dan King also believes the Red Devils are "closing in on" the Croatian who netted 12 goals and provided five assists in 28 La Liga matches during the 2014-15 season. He also racked up five goals in 10 Champions League games, enjoying rich scoring form up until February during his debut season with the Spanish club.

He hasn't added to his total since Feb. 21's win over Almeria, however, and "fall-outs with coaching staff" has soured his first season at the Vicente Calderon, according to Jones.

Nick Sutton of BBC Radio 4 tweeted The Sun's headline:

United boss Louis van Gaal decided against signing Radamel Falcao on a permanent deal after he scored just four times during his loan season with the club. Mandzukic is an interesting option, but not one who screams a huge improvement over the likes of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie.

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The 29-year-old is excellent at holding the ball up, winning aerial challenges and contributing defensively, three attributes which could be useful for United's likely 4-3-3 setup next season. Mandzukic's hot-hotheadedness would add a "defend from the front" approach to Van Gaal's team and would be useful for ensuring United's play remains balanced.

He could be a quality signing for strength-in-depth, but Mandzukic's recent form suggests he wouldn't be able to lead the team toward the Premier League title. At 29 years old he would be a short-term solution to United's main attacking problem: how to replace Van Persie.

B/R UK's Andy Brassell recently cast his eye over potential ins and outs at Old Trafford:

United "have turned their attention" to Paris Saint-Germain right-back Gregory van der Wiel, according to Le Parisien (h/t David Wright of the Express). Previous target Dani Alves agreed an extension with Barcelona on Wednesday, noted in the previous report, leaving Van Gaal searching for a new attack-minded addition to his defence.

Wright's article suggests United or Roma will snap Van der Wiel up, with the latter club having already met with Mino Raiola, his agent. Van Gaal decided to leave the defender out of the Netherlands's World Cup squad last summer, but he could be a quality solution to the right-back problem at the Theatre of Dreams.

Van Gaal utilised winger Antonio Valencia in this position throughout the 2014-15 season, seemingly overlooking Brazilian full-back Rafael. Van der Wiel is perhaps a more reliable option than both—he isn't so hit and miss when launching into tackles—but like Mandzukic, his signing wouldn't improve too much on what United have.

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Yet, both could be smart options to fill United's squad now Champions League football has been secured. Van Gaal needs proven stars to pad his team out. Having already signed the exciting Memphis Depay, adding reliable, experienced players is likely to be a key goal during the summer.