West Ham transfer news: Besiktas join race for £18m Croatian ace

Besiktas are the latest side to be linked with a move for Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic.

Turkish-Football recently reported that Galatasaray are keen on the Croatia international while the Sun states that West Ham have also been closely pursuing the 30-year-old. Per the source, Hammers boss Slaven Bilic worked with Mandzukic when he was Croatia boss and wants to be reunited with him.

According to the Turkish outlet Fanatik, Besiktas want to sign a big name striker over the summer and have placed Mandzukic at the top of their shopping list.

The daily Turkish paper states that the Black Eagles want to sign Mandzukic as a replacement for Mario Gomez, who left at the beginning of the season.

Besiktas currently sit at the top of the Turkish League take with 54 points after 24 games. The Istanbul giants were held to a 2-2 draw by Kayserispor yesterday evening.

Mandzukic has under 18 months remaining on his contract meaning Juve may be willing to let him leave for a cut price fee this summer.

The experinced striker has found the back of the net five times in the Serie A this season.