Manchester United Transfer News: Mario Mandzukic Boost, Nicolas Otamendi Rumours

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has admitted he finds Mario Mandzukic irritating, boosting Manchester United's chances of signing the Croatian striker.

The Red Devils "have been offered" Mandzukic, according to Simon Jones of the MailOnline. The Sun's Dan King also suggests Louis van Gaal's side are "closing in on" his signature, something Simeone has fuelled by his honest comments to Spanish publication AS (h/t Daniel Prescott of the Daily Mail):

"

[Mandzukic] annoys me easily, that's the reality. He is a great player and a decent lad. He himself is down about not maintaining the form he displayed up until February.

We sat down together and aimed to improve on his record of 28 goals at Bayern. This wasn't possible and it upset him. For the last game he sent me a message saying he wanted to travel with the lads. I know he gave his all and thanks to him we secured third place in La Liga.

"

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Mandzukic faced the difficult task of replacing Diego Costa during his debut season at the Vicente Calderon. He scored 12 goals in La Liga and five during Atletico's run to the Champions League quarter-finals, but he is currently on a barren run of 11 matches without netting, per WhoScored.com. The 29-year-old is a fully-committed, battle-ready striker who cannot be faulted for effort.

Van Gaal opted not to sign Monaco's Radamel Falcao on a permanent deal after his poor loan spell with the club. Mandzukic doesn't stand out as the type of striker who would progress United's play, particularly as the side needs pace and incision up top. Falcao wasn't able to add either this or effective hold-up play last season, with Robin van Persie also struggling.

News of Van Persie's potential exit continues to circulate, reported by David Anderson and Ed Malyon of the Mirror.

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United wouldn't be in any better shape if he leaves and Mandzukic comes in. RvP suffered an injury-ridden 2014-15 campaign, in which his sharpness seemed to be lacking. He could yet prove effective if he's told to stop dropping deep and is supported by pacey wingers such as new signing Memphis Depay.

Mandzukic isn't the type of signing who instills fear into rival supporters. He'd be excellent for squad depth but nothing more. It's a major risk to lure misfiring strikers, especially those heading toward 30, so many United fans will most likely want to see someone younger and more explosive arrive.

United to Open with £25M Otamendi Bid?

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Spain could prove to be a fruitful hunting ground for Van Gaal this summer. He is ready to "step-up" United's efforts to sign Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi, as reported by Jeremy Cross of the Daily Star.

Otamendi "has told Valencia he wants to leave to join Manchester United," according to the Star's Jack Wilson.

Cross reports the Red Devils will open with a £25 million bid for the Argentinian but that Valencia want his £35 million buyout clause to be matched. It is suggested a compromise of £30 million could be agreed.

Otamendi enjoyed a tremendous season at the Mestalla, leading the side to fourth in La Liga. The physical, combative defender is an excellent reader of the game and someone who thrives in difficult situations. He's also a danger from set pieces, scoring six goals during the recently finished campaign.

B/R UK's Andy Brassell recently looked at which players United should sell to make room for such stars:

Mandzukic wouldn't be a progressive signing, not with United's current needs considered. Simeone's comments certainly don't help him appear a more attractive prospect.

Otamendi could be a pivotal capture for the club, however, and should be vigorously pursued. He could form an effective partnership with the improving Chris Smalling and solidify United's leaky defence, a feature of the campaign just gone.