Silva welcomes new Mitrovic deal

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Marco Silva says Aleksandar Mitrovic’s new contract is designed to force a huge transfer fee out of any potential suitor.

The Whites boss believes the Serbia striker’s five-year deal was good business by the club.

Silva said: “In the (transfer) market anything can happen, even something you don’t expect.


“But from the first day I had the suspicion he would stay with us. I also knew the market is open for a striker who can score goals, and maybe more open for him than the others.

“I knew from the board, from the owner, that if someone comes here to try and take Mitro, they have to pay his value.”

Mitrovic will be joined at the training ground next week by the latest addition: Rodrigo Muniz from Brazilian club Flamengo.

The 20-year-old forward has scored 11 goals in 38 games to date during his fledgling career, but Whites fans may have to wait to see Muniz in action.

Silva explained: “He has to start with us, and it’s been a long process.

“We had him (training) in Spain, took care of everything, and got someone to stay with him and did everything we could at this moment.

“It’s not the same conditions (as at the training ground) but it’s the best we could manage at that moment.

“He needs time to adapt and get in the best physical condition. We’ll give him the time he needs.

“The next 15 days (during the international break) will be good to help him. But it’s too soon to say how long he needs. A month? We’ll have to wait and see.”