Player sold by Newcastle United for £22m refuses to play for club again in feisty transfer saga

Former Newcastle United star Aleksandar Mitrovic never intends to play for Fulham again as a summer transfer saga over the controversial Serbian has taken a furious turn.

The 28-year-old bagged 14 goals for the Cottagers in the Premier League season but his talismanic campaign was overshadowed by the eight-game ban and improper conduct charge handed out by the FA after pushing referee Chris Kavanagh in the FA Cup.

Mitrovic has been key to Fulham's success in the Premier League since returning from the Championship in 2022. Now, the striker is determined to end his tumultuous stay in West London.

Sky Sports report that Mitrovic has told relatives he will never play for Fulham again after being disgusted by the club's £52 million valuation for his services as he seeks a move away.

That price quoted to agents is likely to put off interested clubs with the star's agents believed to have urged Fulham owner Tony Kahn to lower his valuation to £35m and £45m amid interest from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal.

In fury, Mitrovic is believed to have considered staying away from Fulham's pre-season preparations in the United States but has now been convinced by agent Pini Zahavi and PFA representatives to make the trip across the pond.

Al Hilal, which appears to be the most likely destination for the former Newcastle United forward, have had a busy summer of recruitment as Saudi Arabia strengthens its grip over the sport.

The club paid £47 million to bring in Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves this summer and have also signed Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea, and Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

Mitrovic of course spent three years on Tyneside before moving to Fulham in 2018 on a £22 million deal. The Serbian scored 17 goals for Newcastle United in 72 appearances.

His time at St James' Park was also marred by controversy. Bad fouls on Arsenal man Francis Coquelin and Spurs man Kyle Walker, as well as elbowing West Ham's Manuel Lanzini.