Mitrovic sent running by Fulham as Marco Silva ponders £40m Saudi contract offer
Wantaway striker Aleksandar Mitrovic was sent running by Fulham’s coaching staff as Marco Silva’s side trained for the first time since touching down in the United States. The Cottagers flew to New York from London on Thursday before heading out onto the grass at the Red Bulls Academy in New Jersey on Friday morning and it appears the agitated Serbian international frontman did not participate in full team training alongside his team-mates as he continues to push for a transfer to Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal.
Mitrovic is understood to have told his close friends and family that he is unlikely to play for Fulham ever again after Craven Cottage chiefs rejected Al-Hilal’s second proposal for the 28-year-old worth close to £30million earlier this week.
The 28-year-old, who netted 14 goals in the Premier League last season, is believed to have definitely outlined his strong desire to seal a lucrative move to the Middle East after Al-Hilal’s opening bid of £25.5m was rejected out of hand one week ago.
But things quickly turned sour ahead of Fulham’s flight across the Atlantic when Mitrovic had to be personally persuaded to join up with his team-mates for the US tour by his representatives and the PFA.
While he was eventually part of Fulham’s travelling party, footage posted on the club’s social media channels on Friday evening captured Mitrovic completing shuttle runs in the background of the session as his colleagues completed training drills with the ball.
Mitrovic was also pictured as part of a team huddle as Fulham boss Silva, whose future is also in serious doubt amid strong interest from Saudi side Al-Ahli, addressed the squad ahead of Sunday’s clash against west London rivals Brentford at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
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The 46-year-old is now in the final year of his contract with Fulham but the Cottagers have already offered Silva the chance to extend his stay with a firm offer that remains on the table.
Meanwhile, Joao Palhinha also took part in full training as West Ham continue to probe for Fulham’s Player of the Year.
The Cottagers have little interest in selling their Portugal international midfield lynchpin and are likely to command a fee upwards of £80m in order to agree to a sale, unless the player indicates he wants to depart.
West Ham have already seen a £45m offer including add-ons rebuffed but could try again with an improved offer close to £50m in the coming days as the Irons seek to replace former captain Declan Rice.
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The 46-year-old is now in the final year of his contract with Fulham but the Cottagers have already offered Silva the chance to extend his stay with a firm offer that remains on the table.
Meanwhile, Joao Palhinha also took part in full training as West Ham continue to probe for Fulham’s Player of the Year.
The Cottagers have little interest in selling their Portugal international midfield lynchpin and are likely to command a fee upwards of £80m in order to agree to a sale, unless the player indicates he wants to depart.
West Ham have already seen a £45m offer including add-ons rebuffed but could try again with an improved offer close to £50m in the coming days as the Irons seek to replace former captain Declan Rice.
Palhinha has four years remaining on his current Fulham deal which also included the option for an additional 12 months.
Fulham are not encouraging offers for the 28-year-old who made more tackles (147) than any other player in the Premier League last season. Moises Caicedo was second with 100.
The club are beginning to turn the dial in pursuit of new arrivals and are set to submit a new proposal upwards of £20m for Benfica defender Morato.
An offer for Calvin Bassey of Ajax was also rebuffed within the past week and alternative targets include Southampton’s Mohammed Salisu and Manchester United’s Eric Bailly.
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