Louis van Gaal is reportedly ready to rival Arsenal and Chelsea to make Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic his first signing as Manchester United manager.
The Dutchman was confirmed as David Moyes's successor on Monday, penning a three-year contract at Old Trafford, where Ryan Giggs will be his assistant.
Mandzukic is expected to leave Bayern this summer after falling out with Pep Guardiola, who is losing patience with the Croatian's attitude and is supposed to have told him: 'Goodbye, and good luck with your next club.'
Chelsea and Arsenal are both in the market for forwards this summer and have already made enquiries over Mandzukic's availability, but the Daily Mail understands that Van Gaal's appointment at United has seen them added to his list of potential suitors.
The Netherlands manager has apparently cooled his interest in Bayern's Thomas Muller, but views Mandzukic, who was left out of the Munich squad that beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 to win the German Cup, as a more realistic target as he looks to add a poacher to United's striking ranks.
Joe Fish
