Mitrovic distances himself from summer Palace switch

Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has poured cold water on reports linking him with a move to Crystal Palace.

Mitrovic was part of the Newcastle United team who won the Championship title last season to gain promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt under manager Rafael Benitez.

The combative frontman, 22, has netted 15 times in 65 appearances for the Magpies, and has been linked with a move to Selhurst Park for much of the summer.

He also scored for Serbia in Sunday’s 1-1 with Wales in their World Cup 2018 qualifier, his ninth goal in 28 appearances for his country.

Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images

But he did not rule out a summer switch away from the north east if the move suited all parties.

“I’m very happy to help Newcastle back to the Premier League because that’s where the club deserves to be,” he said.

“I heard something about other clubs but for now I just want to rest. I need to prepare for next season.

“If there are some good offers for me – which are also good for the club – come in for me over the summer then we will speak about it.

“If it doesn’t happen then I’m still a Newcastle United player, I have three years on my contract.

“So we have to speak to the club, to the manager and we will see.”