Transfer talk: Marseille wanted to sign Aleksandar Mitrovic before signing Kostas Mitroglou

Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic was reportedly on the striker shortlist at Marseille before the French giants decided to sign Kostas Mitroglou from Benfica instead.

French outlet Walfoot claim the 22-year-old was interesting Marseille boss Rudi Garcia, with his future at Newcastle still likely to be up in the air when the January transfer window comes around.

Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic was reportedly on striker wanted list at Marseille before the French giants decided to sign Kostas Mitroglou from Benfica instead.

It is believed that Mitrovic, who joined Newcastle from Belgian champions Anderlecht back in the summer of 2015, was the kind of striker that Garcia was looking for this summer.

However, the Ligue 1 outfit decided to sign former Fulham ace Mitroglou instead, after scoring a huge 27 goals in 43 league and cup encounters for Benfica as the Portuguese giants finished as champions of Liga NOS last season.

Football Weeks weighs up whether a move to sell Mitrovic in January would be a good move if Marseille were to renew their interest, and if a deal in four months’ time is likely to happen.

Is signing Aleksandar Mitrovic a good move for Newcastle?

The Evening Chronicle claimed earlier in the summer that Mitrovic would be allowed to leave the club for £16million, with Lyon, Fenerbahce and Besiktas all said to be keen.

However, Newcastle’s number 45 has begun the 2017-18 campaign in inspired form, scoring for the Toon in their 3-0 win over West Ham after coming on as a substitute before rounding Joe Hart to earn three points.

He then continued that form by finding the back of the net for Serbia in a 3-0 win over Moldova in 2018 World Cup qualifying on Saturday night.

Selling Mitrovic for £16million is simply not enough for the powerhouse striker with the majority of his career still to play, especially as he looks to have rediscovered his shooting boots.

How likely is this going to happen?

Following the new signing of Spaniard Joselu as well as Dwight Gayle top scoring last season, Serbia international Mitrovic could be seen as third-choice striker.

That could frustrate the hothead, who has little patience proven by his recent three-match ban for an elbow on West Ham’s Manuel Lanzini.

Even if Newcastle want to keep him in January, Marseille could be able to swoop for the striker if they remain interested as Mitrovic may look to force a transfer.