Manchester United had put Aleksandar Mitrovic on a list of potential summer signings before his red card for Fulham last Sunday, according to reports. The Serbia international has been in fine form this season, netting 12 goals from 25 appearances. However, his rage at Old Trafford seven days ago may now have cost him a blockbuster move.
Manchester United beat Fulham 3-1 in the FA Cup last weekend, with a late double from Bruno Fernandes and Marcel Sabitzer strike giving them a vital victory.
However, Mitrovic found himself in the spotlight after opening the scoring - before then seeing red after pushing referee Chris Kavanagh.
And according to The Mirror, United were eyeing the Serbia international before he allowed his temper to boil over.
It’s claimed they added him to a list of potential targets, with Erik ten Hag hunting for an upgrade on the divisive Wout Weghorst.
But with Mitrovic now expected to receive an extended ban for his antics, it’s unclear if United will choose to press ahead with a deal.
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As well as the Red Devils, both domestic and European rivals are also eyeing a swoop for the 28-year-old.
Chelsea are in the mix to secure his signature, with the Blues widely expected to jettison Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Hopes were high the former Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal and Barcelona attacker would be able to summon the magic of old to fire the west London side into the Champions League.
Yet that hasn’t happened, with Aubameyang cutting a frustrated figure since moving to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
Barcelona know they’re reliant on Robert Lewandowski for goals, with the Poland international their undisputed talisman over at the Nou Camp.
And they may decide to land Mitrovic so he can play second fiddle to Lewandowski when the veteran is in need of a rest.
Tottenham are also in the picture to land the Fulham striker.
However, much may depend on what happens with Harry Kane - with the England international continuing to be linked with a move away.
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg, meanwhile, feels the FA must make an example of Mitrovic and extend his three-game suspension to send a message to other players.
"Chelsea’s Mikel John Obi once swung at me in the referee’s room at Stamford Bridge,” he told the Daily Mail.
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Man Utd may opt against Aleksandar Mitrovic after Fulham red card (Image: GETTY)
“He screamed he wanted to break my legs and was being held back by Roberto Di Matteo and Eddie Newton.
"In the end, Mikel only received a three-match ban for that incident. I thought, ‘Are the FA taking the p***? He should be banned for the rest of the season, if not more.’
“Mitrovic wasn’t as aggressive as Mikel, but he got physical with Kavanagh.
"The FA may now use him to set an example to others. Referees need to be respected at the highest level because if they aren’t, that impacts what happens at the lowest level."
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Fulham boss Marco Silva, meanwhile, admitted Mitrovic overstepped the mark.
He said: “I saw the image of course and I already spoke with Mitro. It is a moment for him to control the emotions.
“Of course he pushed the referee but I didn’t see that being so bad as you are saying.
"So I hope the people who are going to decide, decide with the fairness the moment deserves.”
