​ Former Besiktas director of football Onder Ozen has claimed that Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic will join West Ham in the summer.





Ozen worked with West Ham boss Slaven Bilic when the Croatian was manager of Besiktas, and the two are reportedly good friends.





Now working as a commentator, Ozen has expressed his belief that Mandzukic will be a West Ham player next season.

“Mandzukic will not be here [Juventus] at the end of the season, he will go to West Ham United,” he told Tivibu Spor - via ​Star .





Besiktas have also been linked with Mandzukic, and reportedly had agreed a £7m fee for the player which ultimately fell through.





West Ham have reportedly identified the Juventus forward as their number one target as they look to bring in a goalscorer. Bilic gave Mandzukic his international debut in 2007, and he played regularly during his spell as national team coach until 2012.

It is unclear whether Ozen has any inside knowledge, or whether he remains in contact with Bilic, but his confidence suggests he expects a deal to go ahead.





Despite the rumours, Mandzukic has found a place in Max Allegri's Juventus side, playing a selfless role on the left hand side where he impressed during Tuesday night's 3-0 Champions League quarter-final win against Barcelona.

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