Anderlecht star Aleksandar Mitrovic missed training on Friday as rumours linking him to Chelsea and Newcastle United continue, reports the Daily Star.
The Magpies had been heavily linked to the Magpies, but now the Blues are aiming to hijack their deal for the player. The Stamford Bridge outfit have already seen Didier Drogba leave the club this summer, and with Loic Remy close to a move to Crystal Palace [Daily Star] they could be short on numbers up front.
The only other options they have in the striking role are Patrick Bamford, a 21-year-old who has never appeared for the club, and Diego Costa, whose troubles with hamstring injuries leave serious doubts over whether he can compete on four fronts.
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This has left manager Jose Mourinho in dire need of bolstering the position, ahead of a their attempts to defend the Premier League and also improve on their last 16 finish in the Champions League.
The Blues also have both domestic cups to compete in as well and will surely be desperate to see another attacking body through the door, particularly if Remy leaves.
Mitrovic could be perfect to do this after impressing in the Jupiler Pro League. In 69 league games for RSCA the Serbia international has netted 36 times, and he has also made a good first impression in the international arena.
The youngster may even be an improvement on Remy and Drogba as a backup for Costa when his potential to improve is taken in to account.
Meanwhile, Newcastle boss Steve McLaren needs improvements all through his squad after they were dragged in to a relegation fight in the last campaign. A new forward would be a good start, and having also been linked to Charlie Austin [Daily Mail] may not mind missing out on Mitrovic to Chelsea.