Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has reacted quickly to deny rumours linking him with a summer move away from Tyneside.
Mitrovic, who has netted nine times for Newcastle this season, was recently linked with a move to Sporting Lisbon by Portuguese publication Record. They claimed Sporting boss Jorge Jesus had placed Mitrovic at the top of his striker wish-list.
Record then got in touch with Mitrovic for his thoughts on a potential move to Portugal, but the £14.5million signing did not seem too keen on the idea of leaving St James’ Park just yet.
“I have four more years of my contract with Newcastle and I haven’t received any official approach so far,” Mitrovic answered.
I’m happy in England, of course.
“I’m happy in England, of course, but it’s always good to see my name linked to a club like Sporting – it’s a big club.
“If something comes up they will always have to talk with Newcastle first, and only then with me and with my representative.”
While he does not completely dismiss the rumours by confessing ‘it’s always good’ to be linked with a club like Sporting, Newcastle fans can take some inspiration as he admits Newcastle hold all the cards. With Rafa Benitez in charge, I cannot envisage the Spaniard allowing Mitrovic to leave.
Earlier this month, Mitrovic had made his feelings very clear about his future, insisting he is happy at Newcastle and admitting: “Many children are dreaming of playing for Real (Madrid), Barca, Manchester United. (But) I always just wanted to wear the shirt of Partizan, Newcastle and my country.”
He has vowed to become a legend on Tyneside and, although he will miss the first few games of next season due to suspension, I am almost certain he will be here to meet his ambitions.
Note: Record, who have published these Mitrovic quotes, are the same publication who ran a front page story of Andros Townsend to Lisbon after being duped by some Sunderland fans on Twitter last week.
