Wolves have been monitoring the prospects of Newcastle United striker, Aleksandar Mitrovic for the entire 2017/18 campaign and recent reports claim that they are interested to make a move for the 23-year-old. The EFL Championship winners are looking to make a statement in the Premier League next season and might look to beef up their squad in every department.
Mitrovic has been a surprise star in the Fulham squad, scoring an impeccable 12 goals in his 19 Championship appearances this term. He has been prolific for the Lillywhites, helping them make a strong finish close to the automatic promotion spots.
However, St James’ Park did not provide a similar atmosphere to the Serbian international which forced Benitez to sanction the loan-exit to Craven Cottage. Mitrovic was spending most of his minutes on the sidelines after failing to impress the Spaniard in front of the goal line.
The Magpies seemed set on parting ways with the 23-year-old but not a single permanent offer came in which met their asking price. Instead, the player was met with over 20 loan-offers eventually forcing the Tyneside outfit to cave.
The silver lining of the switch is very evident from his scoring tally which seems to have not only impressed United but other teams as well. Wolves remain ambitious about their plans in the English top-flight and are in need of striking options.
Leo Bonatini has been flat out poor for the Wanderers in the second half of the season, halting his scoring run to just 12. His permanent transfer is not looking too favourable at the moment and neither is that of Benik Afobe. The latter is supposed to cost a significant amount which could force Nuno Espirito Santo to turn sideways.
However, Mitrovic will not come cheap either. Newcastle have set an asking price of £20m, double to that of the AFC Bournemouth man. The club is not exactly shy on spending the extra pounds but is Mitrovic really worth it.
His inadequacies have been exposed in the Premier League just like a number of centre-forwards who are stars in the second division. Take a look at Newcastle’s Dwight Gayle.
The man was a sensation in United’s Championship winning 2016/17 campaign, scoring 23 goals in his 36 appearances. This campaign he has disappeared in front of the goal after managing only 6 and assisting a further 4.
Maybe Wolves should steer clear of this option and look into that of more proven scorers in the European top-flight.
