Aleksandar Mitrovic makes surprising Mike Ashley claim as Newcastle United face competition for Liverpool winger

The striker, who recently signed a long-term contract extension with Fulham, has spoken out on the Sports Direct Tycoon during an interview with TalkSport.

And Mitrovic has claimed the Newcastle owner was a ‘great guy’ during his time at St James’s Park - even if the two rarely met.

“Ashley as well he is a good guy,” said the 24-year-old.“I know some people in Newcastle don’t like him but I had a good relationship with him.

“He was good to me, didn’t see him a lot but he is a great guy so I had a really good relationship with them.”

Meanwhile, the Magpies could face fresh competition in their bid to land Liverpool winger Harry Wilson.

The Welsh international has been linked with a switch to Tyneside throughout the window, with Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Championship outfit Leeds United also believed to be keen on the 22-year-old.

But Football Insider now claim that German giants Borussia Dortmund have entered the race for his services - and could submit a permanent offer for the player.

It is believed that a fee of £15million will be required to lure Wilson away from Liverpool, with the Reds unwilling to sanction another loan move.

Wilson has been handed a chance to impress by Jurgen Klopp in pre-season but faces a tough task to land a regular spot in the club’s first-team fold.