BACK PAGE Match price on Mitrovic, Seagulls told

BRIGHTON have been told to come back with a serious offer if they want the services of Aleksandar Mitrovic this month.

The Seagulls tabled a derisory £7million offer for the Serbian international on Tuesday night which was laughed off by Toon officials, and managing director Lee Charnley is awaiting their next approach.

Newcastle want at least £15m for the ex-Anderlecht man, and the striker is keen to leave St James’ Park because he has not been named in the starting XI in the Premier League this season.

West Bromwich Albion were also interested in the crowd favourite, but Brighton seem to be the team with some momentum in the January window after landing Jurgen Locadia from PSV Eindhoven for £15m.

Now, Newcastle will ask them to match that price, although it remains to be seen whether the Magpies would accept instalments.

Their deal for Locadia consisted of a £10m as an initial payment and a further £5m in add-ons.

When asked about Mitrovic recently, Benitez said: “We’re in January now, and all the players going to the World Cup in the summer want to play.

“We have the same situation when we approach other teams.

“There are players who want to leave, but clubs say no because the price is not right or they don’t have other options to come in.

“In our case (with Mitro) we don’t have any offers. And I mean a proper offer.”