Despite scoring on his first start of the season in a 3-2 extra-time loss to Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup, Aleksandar Mitrovic still seems possibly on his way out of St James’ Park.
The Serbian striker had a pretty uneventful campaign as Newcastle returned to the Premier League last year by winning the Championship, and it seems Rafa Benitez has had enough and wants to offload him before the end of the transfer window.
A number of clubs have been interested, including Malaga in Spain, but it’s Hellas Verona who appear to be the most ready to get something done, as explained by Gazzetta dello Sport on Thursday.
The Italian newspaper report that Fabio Pecchia, the Serie A club’s manager, is expected to telephone Rafa Benitez on Thursday in order to discuss a possible transfer for the 22-year-old.
Considering Newcastle spent over £15m to bring Mitrovic over from Anderlecht in the first place, we doubt the Geordies will agree to a cheap deal, especially with three years left on his contract, so if anything gets done, a loan is probably the likeliest option.
Unless Hellas Verona have a cash reserve they’ve been keeping quiet.
