Fulham will step up their pursuit of Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic after Serbia crashed out of the World Cup, according to The Times.
The newspaper report that Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic is keen to continue their association with the 23-year-old after he scored 12 goals in 20 games while on loan from the Magpies in 2017/18.
The Times claim that Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez is happy for the Serbia international to leave, with the club rating him at £20million.
Good move for Newcastle United?
Yes.
Mitrovic has been deemed surplus to requirements at St. James’ Park by Benitez, and there is little chance of the Spaniard changing his mind.
Benitez does not believe that Mitrovic is adaptable enough to fit into his system and has issues with the Serbian’s attitude, which does not look to be changing any time soon.
If Newcastle can indeed get a £20million bid from Fulham they should snap the Cottagers’ hand off and run to the hills with that money, which will help Benitez bulk up his budget to bring in players of his liking.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
This one does look likely to go through at some point.
Fulham’s interest in bringing Mitrovic back is well known, and Newcastle are obviously keen to offload the striker.
That should help a deal go through quite quickly, should Fulham meet the £20million asking price.
The Cottagers will likely submit a lower initial bid, before inevitably being forced to increase it by Newcastle, who are unlikely to budge on their demands.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 8/10
