Some interesting snippets from the well-connected Mike McGrath’s Transfer Notebook for the Daily Telegraph.
He leads with the news that Marco Silva is keen to move on from the summer of uncertainty surrounding Aleksandar Mitrovic and wants to include the Serbian striker in his squad for Saturday’s Premier League opener at Everton. The Fulham head coach has been crucial in reintegrating the talismanic number nine into the Fulham squad – and the striker changed the complexion of the friendly against Hoffenheim last weekend when he was introduced from the bench midway through the second half.
Al Hilal, who wanted both Silva and Mitrovic earlier in the summer, will not meet Fulham’s £52m asking price, which is also out of the reach of Mitrovic’s admirers on the continent. These developments, coupled with the forward’s fired-up return to training, leave the Portuguese head coach with a selection dilemma ahead of the trip to Goodison Park this weekend. Summer signing Raul Jimenez scored on his first start for the Whites against Hoffenheim, whilst Mitrovic managed fifteen goals last term – despite missing eight matches following his red card at Old Trafford in the FA Cup.
McGrath’s column also contains confirmation that the Cottagers remain keen on signing Leicester City full back Timothy Castagne as well as wingers Callum Hudson-Odoi and Demarai Gray.
Work is still needed on Mitro’s behaviour. Last Saturday a Hoffenheim defender was niggling Mitro in the box. He threw himself to the floor presumably hoping for a penalty. Later after the same tactic Mitro gave him a forearm smash thankfully not noticed by the ref or the less than adequate linesperson. This blatant, pre-planned goading was identical to the penalty that West Ham achieved last year against Mitro. More of the same to come I fear.
Absence from the media day could be significant too. Although four other first team players we know are staying were also absent, so that’s not a cast iron indication of anything.
If Mitrovic stays they should still find a place to have Jimenez on the field at the same time. These two players on the field simultaneously would give opposing defenses a lot to worry about. I hope Mitrovic has an attitude adjustment. Fulham has been good for him and the fans love him
Great to see him backed to the team ! Actually, he is not only a central striker but also is a prolific shooter, 2 or 3 nail this weekend !
Mitro made a big difference when he came on, you could see the HH defence get nervous especially at corners, they were too busy watching him when Bassey scored.
No doubt he is a great No9, if Arsenal or Chelsea had him they would win the title.
He doesn’t look happy, this season will be tough for him, he rides an emotional roller coaster all the time.
Mitro has burned his bridges as far as I’m concerned. He will be more petulant than ever now. How many yellow and red cards before Christmas with these new rules in place?
I fear Mitro’s attitude this season will not be as FFC want and they will regret not taking a reasonable offer to be able to move on from his petulance and sulks which have re-emerged with renewed vigor.
100% Rob. That was not the real Mitro on the pitch Saturday. Where was his hunger for goals, why was he passing rather than shooting when he had the opportunity?
Even though most of the crowd made him feel welcome why did he not come the crowd at the end of the game, instead was the 1st player off the pitch. Last seasons success was based largely on hard work and teamwork. If he dosen’t want to buy into that, let him go. Fulham are not a 1 man team. Stop pandering to his ego!