Fulham have had a bid accepted by Newcastle United for their Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The 23 year-old forward, the subject of a summer-long pursuit by the Premier League new boys after his successful loan spell at Craven Cottage last year, has flown back to the United Kingdom from the Magpies’ pre-season tour in Portugal to finalise a move to London. Sky Sports News are reporting that Fulham have offered an initial £22m for the powerful striker, breaking a week-long impasse caused by a difference of around £2m between the two parties.

Mitrovic scored 12 times in 20 appearances for Fulham after joining the Whites on loan in January. He became an integral part of Slavisa Jokanovic’s side – providing them with a focal point and a source of goals up front that the team had previously been lacking. Negotiations about a permanent transfer began as soon as Fulham beat Aston Villa in the Championship play-off final, but a final deal was delayed by the Magpies’ high valuation of a player who was not in their first-team plans.

The Serbian international, who scored for his country during their World Cup group stage win over Costa Rica last month, was keen to reunite with his compatriot Jokanovic at Craven Cottage. He is believed to have already agreed personal terms with Fulham and will shortly undergo a medical ahead of the transfer. The 6ft 2in forward, deemed surplus to requirements at St. James’ Park by Rafa Benitez, will add much-needed fire power to the Fulham attack ahead of their Premier League return next month.