FIFA World Cup finalist Mario Mandžukić turned down a lucrative Manchester United move this summer

Croatia international striker Mario Mandžukić reportedly rejected a summer transfer to Manchester United this year, according to Calciomercato.

The Premier League side, who face Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Monday night, were linked with a move for the Juventus forward ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.

The 32-year-old, who has 89 international caps for his country, made his first competitive appearance of the season for the Serie A champions last Saturday, appearing as a substitute during his team’s 3-2 win at Chievo Verona.

Mandžukić, who scored 10 goals in 43 appearances in all competitions for the Turin giants last term, netted three goals at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia earlier this summer, as Croatia were defeated in the final by France.

However, the report claims the Juve star turned down the opportunity to join United this summer, despite manager Jose Mourinho promising the Croatian a bumper pay rise at The Theatre of Dreams.

Croatia’s Mario Mandzukic at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Following the arrival of former Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo at the Italian club this summer, Mandžukić held a meeting with Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri about his first-team chances this term, and was ultimately persuaded to stay in Turin.

He was told he would remain a vital part of the Juventus team this season, and the club could offer him a new contract, with his current deal set to expire in June 2020.

It is understood that Red Devils manager Mourinho had promised the striker an improved salary in England, increasing his weekly wage from £60,000-a-week to more than £85,000-a-week at Old Trafford.

Mandžukić has netted 34 goals in 130 games overall for Juve, following his arrival from Atletico Madrid back in June 2015.

Written by Dan Church Follow @DJChurch94