Mitrovic plays waiting game over his future

STRIKER PUTS OFF DECISION ON WHERE HE WILL PLAY UNTIL AFTER WORLD CUP

ALEKSANDAR Mitrovic has revealed his future at Newcastle United now lies in the hands of his agent.

The Serbian international striker netted 12 goals in 18 appearances for Fulham in the Sky Bet Championship and the Cottagers are now in the box seat to sign the player on a permanent deal - although there is no agreement in place to secure the player permanently as part of the loan deal which took place in January.

Newcastle will want at least £15million for Mitrovic’s services and it is unlikely he will have a last chance under Rafa Benitez with the Magpies after failing to gel with the former Liverpool manager’s team.

Benitez will want the proceeds of any sale of the striker ploughed into a big deal for a new centre-forward. After Fulham’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa, Mitrovic was asked directly about his future and said: “I don’t know. “I am still a Newcastle United player so we will see what happens. “I want to focus on the World Cup and relax a little. “My agent and my people will speak to the club. “We will see what happens.” However, Mitrovic did drop a big hint he would be receptive to staying on at Fulham after his family settled well in the capital during his loan move to Craven Cottage. He added: “It has been the best three or four months in my professional life.

“I have played the best football. This team has an unbelievable soul and connection between us.

“I really enjoyed my time here and we will see what happens.

“Now I want to enjoy this today and tomorrow start preparing for the World Cup.”

Fulham boss Slavia Jokanovic, who signed Mitrovic after building up a good rapport with the striker via Snapchat last year, will be eager to make Mitrovic one of his first signings this summer.

Yet he may have to wait until after the World Cup with games against Costa Rica, Switzerland and Brazil offering Mitrovic the ideal opportunity to showcase his talents even more this summer. Mitrovic admits he was feeling the pace of the season after Fulham’s play-off adventure and added: “Yeah, of course you are a bit tired but I have a few days to rest and prepare. “It is a big thing for me, my coun-

I am still a United player so we will see what happens. I want to focus on the World Cup and relax a little Aleksandar Mitrovic