Newcastle United have held a long-standing interest in Fulham ace Tom Cairney.
Newcastle United’s survival hopes took a minor blow over the weekend, as they squandered a 2-0 lead at Bournemouth to eventually draw 2-2 at the Vitality Stadium.
The Magpies are still two points clear of the drop zone, but will be hoping to guarantee their Premier League status as quickly as possible and look ahead to bringing in smart signings over the summer after a couple of frustrating transfer windows.
Manager Rafael Benitez has been left unimpressed with that lack of urgency in the transfer market, and one top target in recent windows has been Fulham playmaker Tom Cairney, whose grandfather supports the Magpies.
As noted by The Northern Echo, Newcastle were interested in renewing their interest in Cairney in January after failing to sign him last summer and in January 2017, but they actually ended up sending a player to Fulham instead.
Striker Aleksandar Mitrovic joined forces with compatriot Slavisa Jokanovic to aid Fulham’s promotion push until the end of the season, and the Serbian hitman is making a real impact at Craven Cottage.
Mitrovic, 23, has scored twice in his last two games to give Fulham the cutting edge in attack they have been lacking, and the strong bond between the player and manager Jokanovic may just hint that a permanent deal isn’t beyond all realms of possibility.
Benitez has made it abundantly clear that Mitrovic has no future at Newcastle, and heading to Fulham permanently – where he is playing regularly and leading the line in a team playing exciting football – could be appealing to the ex-Anderlecht hitman.
However, if Mitrovic impresses for Fulham, then Newcastle will ultimately hold all the cards, and would be wise to offer up a deal involving Mitrovic being swapped for Cairney, with money heading to Fulham as well to secure a deal.
27-year-old playmaker Cairney could fill Newcastle’s problem No. 10 position, with the Scotland international possessing a great left foot and the ability to score from long range or set pieces, and whilst he has only notched one goal and three assists in the Championship this term, Benitez may see Mitrovic’s Fulham success as a way to finally lure Cairney to St James’ Park this summer.
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