‘Not happening’ - Newcastle United fans on Twitter mixed over summer transfer rumour

The Newcastle fans in the Transfer Tavern have been discussing the potential signing of Islam Slimani in the summer at the end of his loan spell. According to Le Buteur, the player could become a permanent Magpie for around £21 million. The Algerian target-man is yet to score for Newcastle and only played his first game for the club as a substitute against Huddersfield, two months after joining the club.

https://twitter.com/toontransfer/status/989508818634792960

The Geordies propping up our bar are undecided on their striker. Signing Slimani on a permanent transfer would most likely result in the sale of Aleksander Mitrovic. The hot-headed Serbian, like Slimani, left for a temporary loan in the recent January window. Instead of a Premier League club, Mitrovic found himself at promotion-chasing Fulham in the Championship.

The 23-year-old has divided opinions at Newcastle ever since he joined. There’s no doubt the striker has a goal in him and can change a game but his disciplinary record is far from exemplary. His ability to either win a big game or sent off in one has led to Benitez throwing the forward man out on-loan as he explores new options, namely in the former of Slimani. If the Algerian does sign a permanent contract at St James Park, he brings a ‘plan B’ for the Magpies when Joselu and Dwight Gayle prove ineffective.

You can read our local Magpies’ verdict on Slimani here:

No chance, not happening.

— SWAMPYNUFC (@Swampmonster9) 26 April 2018

So if Fulham pay £20m for Mitrovic, the money will be spent on Slimani. I’m far from convinced by Slimani, and part of me still wants Mitrovic to come good at the toon.

— Fozzie (@Fozzie94) 26 April 2018