Sunderland Opted Against Signing Newcastle Striker
Serbian international didn't fit Dick Advocaat's strategy.
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.
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