Fulham are closing in on sealing a permanent move for Newcastle United centre-forward Aleksandar Mitrovic this summer. According to recent reports, the Cottagers are ready to step up their pursuit of the Serbian international during this summer transfer period. It is believed that the Premier League new boys are eager to wrap up a permanent transfer for the 23-year-old striker following Serbia’s elimination from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Mitrovic went out on loan to ply his trade at Craven Cottage in January and was in terrific form for the London side as he scored 12 goals in 20 appearances in the second half of the last campaign. His contributions on the pitch helped Slaviša Jokanović’s side earn a promotion back to the English top-flight via the playoffs. Some sources are now claiming that the Tynesiders are looking for a fee in the region of £20m if they are to part ways with their prized asset.
The Serbian signed for the Magpies from Anderlecht in the summer of 2015 but has failed to live up to the high expectations at St. James’ Park since his arrival. He still has two years left to run in his Newcastle contract. However, his long-term future under Rafael Benitez is under serious doubt after the Spanish manager was told that he needs to sell in order to finance any new arrivals during this ongoing transfer window.
The Cottagers of London managed to secure a promotion back to the English top tier at the end of the post-season playoffs. Jokanović’s team are now in dire need of making some quality acquisitions this summer if they are to compete on all fronts and avoid the drop next season. A talented young target-man who can score goals on a regular basis is exactly what the doctor ordered for Fulham going into the new campaign.
The potential acquisition of Mitrovic will undoubtedly bolster Jokanovic’s attacking options at Craven Cottage. Fulham have some top attacking talents such as Aboubakar Kamara, Rui Fonte and Ryan Sessegnon competing for a starting berth in Jokanovic’s first-team. The addition of Mitrovic will definitely improve their attack significantly and add more competition for places within the Cottagers squad.
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At 23, the Serbian centre-forward still has his prime years ahead of him which Fulham could look to benefit from, in the next few years. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Mitrovic and whether he ends up signing for the London club before the start of the new season.
