Newcastle United have agreed a deal with Anderlecht to send striker Aleksandar Mitrovic on loan back to his former club, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.
The reliable journalist claimed on his personal Twitter account on Wednesday that the Magpies have a replacement lined up for Serbia international Mitrovic, 23, and have set their sights on Leicester’s Islam Slimani.
We understand Newcastle have agreed a loan deal this morning with Anderlecht for striker Aleksandar Mitrovic. One source has told us NUFC are attempting to replace him with Islam Slimani.
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) January 31, 2018
Slimani, 29, signed for Leicester for a club record fee worth £28million in 2016 but has dropped well down the pecking order under Claude Puel’s leadership at the King Power.
The powerhouse forward has made 17 appearances in all competitions this season and scored five goals.
The Algeria international, known for his strength and aerial ability, now could be the man to put an end to Rafa Benitez’s long-winded search for a striker.
Good move for Newcastle?
Mitrovic is well out of favour at St James’ Park so it makes perfect sense to let the Serb leave, albeit on a temporary basis. The forward has made it clear in the past that he would like to leave Tyneside so getting rid of him may improve team morale as well as taking a bit of a burden over the wage bill. Slimani would be a good replacement but it’s hard to see how Newcastle will be able to fund a move for a player who is widely reported to be worth £20million to anyone who wants to buy him.
This is Futbol rating 7/10
Likely to happen?
Mitrovic has not been playing much this season with just seven appearances in all competitions and zero starts in the Premier League so it seems obvious that he will exit St James’ Park at some point on Wednesday. Benitez needs to free up some funds too so there could be a loan fee and a portion of his wages paid by Anderlecht that the Magpies clearly feel is enough to help them sign players up.
This is Futbol rating 8/10