19.06.2015 20:19 h

Allegri confirms Mandzukic, puts hopes on Pogba

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri hopes new signing Mario Mandzukic can settle quickly at the club and has called on French star Paul Pogba to see out another title-winning season in Turin.

With striker Carlos Tevez rumoured to be on his way to Boca Juniors, reports have claimed Mandzukic has agreed terms to join Juventus from Atletico Madrid on a four-year deal worth 18 million euros (£12.9m, $20.4m).

And Allegri appeared to confirm a deal had been struck when he told Sky Sports: "We signed Mandzukic because we wanted him. He's a great player and I am very happy he's here."

If officially confirmed, it would end Manchester United's reported interest in the fiery 29-year-old Croatian, who joined Atletico on a four-year deal from Bayern Munich less than a year ago.

Mandzukic, who scored his country's opener in a 1-1 Euro 2016 qualifying draw against Italy last week, is one of Europe's top strikers but, having quit Bayern due to issues with coach Pep Guardiola's style of play, he then failed to completely convince Diego Simeone at Atletico.

With Paulo Dybala (Palermo) and Simone Zaza (Sassuolo) recently added to a Juve front line comprising Alvaro Morata and Fernando Llorente -- who is being linked with a move to Monaco -- Allegri expects Mandzukic to settle quickly.

But the 48-year-old coach said neither player would be a direct replacement for Tevez.

"Mandzukic has scored goals in every league, he has great character, is an international player and will do well," said Allegri.

"It's not like we have to replace Tevez. It's more a case of signing players and evaluating our playing style. Mandzukic is here, we have Simone Zaza, Kingsley Coman, Alvaro Morata and Dybala - all of whom are young, quality players.

"By the end of the summer transfer period, we could have 10 under-23 players in the squad and this is very important for the future of the club."

Juventus's Champions League final defeat to Barcelona two weeks ago has done little to diminish the club's ambition, and Mandzukic is being talked of in Italy as a direct replacement for Tevez.

Juve also got Sami Khedira from Real Madrid for free, signing the German international midfielder to a four-year deal as they look to strengthen what the club describes as "one of the strongest midfields in world football".

Allegri said he expects Pogba to remain for at least one more season despite reported interest from the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.

Meanwhile, rumours suggest Andrea Pirlo could be lured to Major League Soccer (MLS) and another midfield linchpin, Arturo Vidal, has been linked with Real Madrid among other clubs.

"Pirlo has to decide for himself and then he will tell the club," said Allegri.

"The club doesn't need to sell Pogba but it also depends on what the player wants to do."

Asked if Pogba could "ask to leave", Allegri added: "At this moment, no. We've spoken and he's happy to stay. He's young, he needs to be at a club like Juventus, where he can develop.

"We're a big club and we need to have the right motivation for another great year."