Fulham could be successful in their quest to sign some of their loan rangers on a permanent basis this summer – but bringing Aleksandar Mitrovic and Tomas Kalas to Craven Cottage for good will cost the Whites around £30m, according to the Daily Mirror.
Slavisa Jokanovic is keen to conclude a deal with Newcastle for Serbian striker Mitrovic, who has fallen out of favour with Rafa Benitez at St. James’ Park. Mitrovic scored twelve times in a successful loan spell that culminated in Fulham winning promotion via the Championship play-offs and whilst the 23 year-old forward appears to be surplus to requirements in the north east, Newcastle may well wait until the end of the World Cup to see just how big a bidding war they can start for the former Anderlecht striker’s services.
Mitrovic himself hinted that he would be keen to stay with Fulham – where he has ‘played some best football of my career’ – in the aftermath of last weekend’s play-off final win over Aston Villa. The Mirror suggests that Newcastle will be looking for a fee within the region of £20m, which would shatter Fulham’s transfer record.
Centre back Tomas Kalas has made no secret of the fact that he is keen to move on from Chelsea this summer – and after two successful loan spells in SW6, Fulham could be a suitable destination for the Czech international to further his career. The 25 year old’s second season at Craven Cottage didn’t see him start as many games as his first spell under Jokanovic, with injuries and the form of Denis Odoi meaning he finished the campaign as Fulham’s third choice substitute, but the Whites are believed to be keen to strengthen their defensive options ahead of their Premier League return.
Fulham did negotiate with Chelsea over the possibility of buying Kalas last summer but were priced out of a move. The Mirror reckons that the Blues value Kalas, who has made just two league appearances in eight years at Stamford Bridge, at around £10m. Whether Fulham will balk at such an outlay remains to be seen.
