Newcastle United have slapped a £20million price-tag on the head of Aleksandar Mitrovic as the Serbian hitman looks to be pushing a move to Fulham through the door, according to The Sun.
The report reveals that the striker, who has been a revelation since his arrival at Craven Cottage in the January transfer window, is also keen on the move, with Fulham seeking to spend £15million but the Magpies holding out for £5million more.
Mitrovic made only a handful of appearances for the Magpies this season prior to his exit – just six in fact – but was given a starting for the Championship play off winners.
Following Fulham’s promotion, the striker revealed as quoted by the Chronicle and relayed in The Sun, that he would be “happy” to remain in London.
OPINION:
It has never really worked out for Mitrovic at Newcastle, for whatever reason, he has struggled to settle at St James’ Park. However, the form he has shown at Craven Cottage where he notched up 12 goals in 17 games shows he is a player who the Magpies really ought to show more faith in and Rafa Benitez would do well to wave his magic wand and convince the Serbian his future is at St James’ Park, giving him the assurance he needs that he will be given more of an opportunity at the club – it is not as though there is anyone within the ranks that has stood out to the point where he has deserved his lack of game-time. Having said that, with a fee of £20million being spoken about for the player, it looks as though the Magpies are preparing for his exit. Benitez may very well be left red-faced over this one though because if Mitrovic can convert his form in the Championship to the Premier League next season, fans will question why he was ever allowed to leave.