Fulham target permanent move for Mitrovic
Promotion chasing Fulham have made it clear that they would be interested in signing current Newcastle loanee Alexander Mitrovic on a permanent deal if they are to succeed in returning their status as a Premier League Club.
Bookmakers have now banked Fulham as favourites for second place which will allow them automatic promotion to next year's top flight.
The 23 year old Serbian striker has scored on two occasions in the Lily Whites' last five games, his last goal coming in their impressive 2-0 victory over current leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend.
Fulham will need to fend off interest however from Belgian side RSC Anderlecht, who are still keen to bring Mitrovic back to the club who attracted the interest from Newcastle in the first place.
But Fulham's manager and fellow country man Slaviša Jokanović feels confident that if his side gain promotion, it will not only increase the likelihood of his chances to sign him, but also more money to challenge offers from other interested clubs.
Rafa Benitez has gave strong evidence that after 18 months of Mitrovic's service he will very unlikely be placing him with a first team appearance, failing to show up much at all since the Magpies returned to the top flight.
Mitrovic before beginning his senior career was a youth player at Serbian's most elite side Partizan Belgrade, which then allowed him to be promoted to their first team in 2012.
After a decent showing in his first year, netting 13 goals in 28 appearances, Anderlecht moved in for the Serbian big man with the fee set at around five million euros, that saw him spend two seasons for the Mauves, averaging a goal every two games for them with 36 goals in 69 appearances.
It was that talent that saw him move to the Magpies for around £11.5 million and begin his time in English football.
But despite an on and off relationship with Spaniard Rafa Benitez, Mitrovic is still young and has plenty to offer if he can find his shooting boots at the right club.
Credit to Reuters UK for the imagery used in this article.