The Newcastle United striker was linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this week.
Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez
Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez spoke highly of striker Aleksandar Mitrovic at media conference on Friday, as quoted by the Shields Gazette.
Mitrovic has only started seven of the Magpies’ Championship fixtures this season and was repeatedly linked with a move away from St. James’ Park in January.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Paris Saint-Germain made an unsuccessful bid for the Serbian before the close of the winter transfer window.
However, when asked about the speculation, Benitez suggested it stemmed from an associate of the player wanting to “do business”.
“I can read news about him all the time, that means someone close to him was interested to do business,” said the Spaniard, as quoted by the Shields Gazette.
“But I said straight away that he would stay, and his reaction when he was not playing was brilliant.
“He fought for his position and I am happy with these kind of problems.”
Mitrovic scored and assisted important goals for Newcastle in the absence of Dwight Gayle and looks set to deputise again for the league’s top scorer in the coming few games.
Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates his goal for Newcastle United
The Magpies paid a reported £16 million to sign Mitrovic from Anderlecht in 2015 (Transfermarkt), and the United number nine remains under contract on Tyneside until 2020.
Should Newcastle United keep hold of Mitrovic this summer?
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