Crystal Palace are just two good games away from retaining their top-flight status this season but Roy Hodgson is desperate to add some quality to his first team next season and is already scouting for exciting stars for a move this summer. The latest name on their radar is Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Newcastle United Open To Mitrovic Exit:
A transfer target for the likes of West Ham United, Burnley and Fulham, the Serbian ace is currently out on loan at Craven Cottage from Newcastle United and has been in decent goalscoring form. But Rafa is not convinced of his qualities and reports claim that he could be up for sale at the end of the season.
Hodgson believes that he is the right man for Palace but what will he bring to Selhurst Park?
Mitrovic And His Record:
After helping the Magpies to the top flight, Mitrovic, who made 25 Championship appearances last season, failed to establish himself in the first team in the top flight this season and made just six appearances before he was sent out on loan to Fulham.
After a slow start at Craven Cottage, he is now one of the first names on the team sheet, picking up 12 goals and an assist in just 12 league starts to date. He is crucial to the club’s chances of promotion and has shown that he is capable of reproducing the form in the top flight as well.
A target-man who loves to run down the channels and disrupt the backline, Mitrovic is a natural goal scorer, who seems to have mastered the art of hold up play. He is strong in the air and is adept at winning the physical battle in the English game and at just 24, will only get better and is a long-term option for any team that invests in him.
Right Man For Palace?
Christian Benteke is badly out of form and certainly needs a backup and though Bakary Sako has not been too bad, Hodgson needs a first team star who can make an immediate impact and Mitrovic fits the bill well.
With plenty of experience in the English leagues, the Serbian will take no time to adjust to the conditions in London and could be a match winner for Palace in the upcoming campaign. His contract with Newcastle ends in 2020, so he will not be too expensive but do you think he is the right man for Hodgson and his men?
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored