The proposed loan move to take Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic back to Anderlecht has broken down, according to a reliable journalist.
Ian Dennis, senior football reporter for BBC Radio 5 Live, reported on Twitter on Wednesday evening that the Serbia international’s deadline day loan move now looks off the cards.
Understand Alexsandr Mitrovic loan deal from Newcastle United to Anderlecht has broken down #NUFC
— Ian Dennis (@Iandennisbbc) January 31, 2018
There is no reason given for the break down in talks, and there is no assertion made whether the deal can be resurrected or not.
As reported by Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Mitrovic jetted out to Brussels earlier today to seal his return to the Belgian First Division club.
This is a stunning development in the situation, with the Serbian’s return to Anderlecht seen widely as a formality after he flew out to rubber-stamp the move.
Good move for Newcastle United?
A loan exit for Mitrovic is a no-brainer for Newcastle, with the 23-year-old struggling to make an impression on the first-team picture this season.
The striker is well-loved on Tyneside, but for one reason or another has not featured in Rafa Benitez’s plans this campaign, and a move away is best for all parties.
The imminent arrival of Islam Slimani on loan from Leicester puts him further down the pecking order, and makes a loan exit even more of an obvious move.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
This is a massive twist in this transfer story as the loan deal to take Mitrovic back to Anderlecht was thought to be a formality.
You would think that Mitrovic flying out to Brussels would signal the near completion of a deal, but it has obviously hit some unknown stumbling block in the final negotiations.
The move still cannot be ruled out, but with time running low, Anderlecht and Mitrovic need to be quick to resolve their differences.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10