Newcastle United have identified £15m-rated striker Aleksandar Mitrovic as their number one priority for the summer transfer window.
Having bagged 14 league goals already this campaign, as well as a number in European competitions, Mitrovic has attracted attention from a number of top clubs within Europe – including Arsenal and Liverpool.
Although the 20-year-old will not be short of potential suitors this summer, Newcastle remain hopeful they can tempt Aleksandar to snub moves elsewhere in favour of first-team football, as well as Ashley’s attractive top ten bonus scheme.
Under the reign of controversial owner Mike Ashley many fans may be sceptical but, with a number of the squad’s fringe players looking to depart St James’ Park for a new challenge, his hand may be forced to splash the cash this summer. After recruiting Facundo Ferreyra, and Emmanuel Riviere last summer, the club’s hierarchy may have learnt their lesson from failing to go that extra mile and missing out on stars like Alexandre Lacazette and Loic Remy.
By virtue of his age and the huge potential shown by Mitrovic already, Ashley can be rest assured that the Serbian striker will retain his value even if he flops on Tyneside.
However, due to his height and stature, Graham Carr deems this highly unlikely. Instead, he believes Mitrovic will emulate the success of Spanish striker Ayoze Perez. If so, the Magpies will be fighting off offers upwards of £25million every window, hence why he appeals to Newcastle’s board.
