Report: Newcastle moving for Islam Slimani may leave West Ham’s path clear to pursue Aleksandar Mitrovic

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West Ham United are keen to sign Aleksandar Mitrovic and their hopes may receive a boost if Newcastle United sign Islam Slimani.

According to a report from the Daily Mirror, Newcastle are considering breaking their transfer record to sign Islam Slimani from Leicester City, and that may boost West Ham’s hopes of signing Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Both the Magpies and the Hammers are still looking for their first signings of the window. And with neither side out of the woods by any means when it comes to beating the drop in the Premier League, you would imagine that both Rafa Benitez and David Moyes are looking to use the last days of the window productively.

According to the Mirror, Newcastle are considering breaking their transfer record, and that may happen by pursuing a move for Leicester striker Slimani.

The Mirror reports that the Algerian is a key target for Benitez and Newcastle are weighing up meeting his £20 million asking price in the coming days.

The Mirror adds that Benitez wants players in before he considers letting any of his squad leave this month, so a deal for Slimani would provide the encouragement that West Ham are looking for to step up their pursuit of Mitrovic.

Mitrovic has endured a difficult time at St James’ Park, but it appears that David Moyes is keen to give him the opportunity to make a fresh start at the London Stadium.

But any hopes West Ham have of landing Mitrovic appear to rest on Newcastle being able to do a deal to bring a new striker in first – and Benitez would like for that striker to be Slimani.