Sunderland Opted Against Signing Newcastle Striker

Aleksandar Mitrovic was a target for Sunderland at the start of the transfer window, though Dick Advocaat opted against signing the hotshot Serbian international before he signed for bitter rivals Newcastle, according to the Sunderland Echo. Advocaat cast an eye over Mitrovic at Anderlecht, but ultimately felt that the 20-year-old wasn't suited to his style of play, while there were also questions raised about his temperament. The £13 million fee proved to be too high for a player deemed to be a risk, and he was snatched up by the Magpies. However, Mitrovic's strike record is excellent, with 36 goals in 69 games for Anderlecht since he made his debut as an 18-year-old, including a last-gasp equaliser against Arsenal in last season's Champions League. With the season drawing closer, Advocaat and Director of Football Lee Congerton are working behind-the-scenes with regards to bringing in a top striker, with one of Steven Fletcher or Danny Graham set to depart, though the Black Cats are keeping their cards close to their chest in the hope of springing a surprise deal before the big kick off. Meanwhile, the search for a creative midfielder goes on, with Spurs' Moussa Dembele believed to be one of Sunderland's top targets.