Newcastle United are prepared to bide their time over the summer sale of Aleksandar Mitrovic in the hope of a much bigger fee, according to a reliable journalist.
Chronicle football editor Mark Douglas reported on his personal account today (Tuesday) that Fulham are keen to quickly converted Mitrovic’s loan deal into a permanent move.
But Douglas explained Newcastle could look to stall the deal as they believe Mitrovic’s price will shoot up if he thrives for Serbia at the World Cup.
Fulham boss Jokanovic was at Serbia training camp yesterday – where Mitro was on press duties. Said he wants Mitrovic to sign but it’s up to Fulham board and owners to broker the deal now.
Fulham want quick deal but #nufc might think a good World Cup might up his price…
— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) May 29, 2018
OPINION
Newcastle clearly have no place for Mitrovic, who couldn’t get a game for love nor money and was behind Dwight Gayle and Joselu in the striker pecking order before his January loan move to the capital. The Serbia international might not be to Rafael Benitez’s taste – his lack of discipline makes him an accident waiting to happen – but Fulham are keen to build their attack around him after sealing a return to the Premier League. His record at the London club is outstanding, with 20 Championship matches yielding 12 goals, many of them crucial ones. Intriguingly, Newcastle don’t want to let Mitrovic go early in the window for £15million and then look back in dismay if he explodes for Serbia this summer. A good World Cup and the 23-year-old’s value could soar way beyond £20million. Some Toon fans will be concerned that the departure of such a polished finisher is inevitable. But they won’t care a jot if a top-ranking centre-forward is signed to replace him in time for the start of next season.
