Reporter reveals the key reason why Rafa Benitez wants rid of Aleksandar Mitrovic this summer

According to the Chronicle, Rafa Benitez is ‘receptive’ to selling Aleksandar Mitrovic for a fee ‘in excess of £20m’ this summer – with the Spaniard keen to reinvest that money so he can sign a ‘proven’ striker of his choice with ‘top flight pedigree’.

The Serbian striker has 12 goals in just 15 starts for Fulham since his deadline move to West London, however it doesn’t sound like he’s going to be back in Rafa’s plans anytime soon.

Here’s a snippet from the Chronicle’s latest piece on Mitro, revealing just why Benitez is keen to get a ‘bidding war’ underway for the striker this summer:

“Rafa Benitez is receptive to selling Mitrovic for the right price during the off-season, with the United manager keen to reinvest any money into his own transfer kitty so that he can sign a forward with proven top-flight pedigree.

“Given Mitrovic’s prolific form for Fulham, Newcastle are hopeful that they can demand a fee in excess of £20million for the forward – meaning they would make at least £7m profit on the Serbian.

“But, given that the Cottagers are far from the only admirers of Mitrovic – Marseille, Bordeaux, Anderlecht, Brighton and Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers have all scouted the forward at various points over the past 12 months – United hope to start a potential bidding war for the striker’s signature.”

Some may be frustrated to hear this, but it’s been clear for a few years now that Benitez just doesn’t quite fancy Mitrovic – and I’m not too sure the Serbian is suited to playing in his side either.

This also proves why his form in recent months has actually served to benefit us, with it meaning we can demand a much higher fee for him than we have 6 months ago. Brighton bid just under £8m for him in January, but there’s a strong argument that he’s worth treble that now.

With the signing of a proven striker clearly top of Rafa’s to-do list this summer, any big bids will be welcome – whether that be from Fulham or one of several clubs tracking him.

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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