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Newcastle United have rejected a bid for Aleksandar Mitrovic after Brighton attempted to lure the big striker to the south coast.

The Chronicle understands that the initial offer for the Serbian international has been deemed as paltry by the Magpies and United will hold out for at least £15million.

Mitrovic wants to leave Newcastle in order to find regular game-time ahead of the World Cup finals in Russia.

But Newcastle don’t want to make a loss on the player they paid £13million for and they certainly don’t want to offload him without bringing in a replacement.

Newcastle are in negotiations to buy a new striker and have been quoted £20million for a sought after target.

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United officials are staying tight-lipped on the target in order to fend off competition from other clubs.

However, it has emerged that owner Mike Ashley has made it clear he approves plans for a new front man.

And he has told managing director Lee Charnley to ensure that Benitez gets his target.