Solskjaer 'Made Deadline Day Phone Call' to Man Utd Target

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly make a desperate last-ditch phone call to Juventus forward Mario Mandzukic on deadline day.

The Croatian was linked with a switch to Old Trafford during the summer as United searched for a replacement for Romelu Lukaku.

And Tuttosport report that Solskjaer made a personal effort to contact Mandzukic over a move, but failed in his approach.

The 33-year-old striker is said to have delayed his decision in order to see whether he had been included in Juve's Champions League squad.

But he was not part of boss Maurizio Sarri's plans, and Mandzukic - who was said to have offers on the table from PSG and Bayern, as well as United - now looks set for a move to Qatar.

Qatari side Al-Gharafa are the rumoured front runners for Mandzukic's signature, with his agent allegedly due to land in Qatar on Monday to finalise transfer negotiations.

United failed to bring in any further attacking reinforcements following Lukaku's departure, and have since also lost Alexis Sanchez to Inter Milan as well.

The Red Devils have been linked with a move for Bournemouth's Callum Wilson next summer, while Solskjaer ruled out a move for veteran Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

“If he [Ibrahimovic] was 28, not 38 next month, it would be a big difference," Solskjaer said.

“He had a great time here and he is still doing well. He was unfortunate he got his injury here when he did.

“Who knows? He knows my number.

“He never rented my house but he was looking at it, and we can speak our native language. If he is serious I’ll always talk to Zlatan.”

Meanwhile Juventus may wish to keep hold of Mandzukic if the recent behaviour of Gonzalo Higuain is anything to go by.

The former Chelsea striker lashed out during a training session ahead of Juve's Champions League opener with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, kicking a member of staff in the process.

Higuain launched a kick at the coach, before booting the advertising hoarding round the side of the pitch after growing frustrated during a training exercise.