Aleksandar Mitrovic will complete his protracted transfer to Fulham after Newcastle United when he returns from a family holiday, according to the Evening Standard.

Fulham made Mitrovic their top summer target after his outstanding performances on loan at Craven Cottage last season, where he scored twelve goals in 20 appearances as the Whites won promotion back to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs. The Serbian striker was declared surplus to requirements by Rafa Benitez, but Newcastle chairman Mike Ashley has been holding out for around £20m before sanctioning his departure from St. James’ Park.

Reports in recent days had suggested that both Fenerbache and Real Betis were interested in hijacking Fulham’s proposed deal for Mitrovic, but the London newspaper claims that the 23 year-old forward has made his preference clear. Mitrovic, who scored once for Serbia at this summer’s World Cup, believes he played the best football of his career at Fulham and his closeness to his compatriot Slavisa Jokanovic has played a big part in his decision to make his move to London permanent.

The Standard also suggests that Fulham are close to agreeing a contract extension with Jokanovic ahead of their return to the top flight. Jokanovic had demanded that the Whites match his ambitions in the summer transfer window and with the recruitment of Ivorian international Jean-Michael Seri, who had been coveted by a number of leading English and European sides, vice chairman Tony Khan has lived up to those expectations. The club are hopeful that Jokanovic will put pen to paper on a long-term deal in the coming days.