POLICE taking part in an investigation into suspected fraud surrounding Aleksandar Mitrovic's move to Newcastle have made two arrests after a series of raids across Europe.

Authorities in Belgium have been conducting far reaching inquiries into suspected money laundering related to transfers in the country since earlier this year.

Mitrovic's £13million transfer from Anderlecht to Newcastle four years ago has formed part of their investigation, which saw the Belgian FA headquarters searched in April.

And over the past 24 hours, police and tax officials raided properties in London, Monaco and Belgium – with the Mitrovic deal said to be central to the development.

An agent was detained in Monaco, along with his assistant who was held in the Belgian city of Liege.

A statement from the Belgian prosecutor's office said: "The facts involve notably money-laundering operations and private corruption in the context of football player transfers."

It has been reported in Belgium that this raid is separate to a larger investigation in Belgium which has seen 20 people – including agents and referees – charged since last October over fraud and match-fixing allegations.

The identity of the two people arrested this week has not yet been revealed by prosecutors.

Mitrovic, 24, is not thought to play any part in the investigation.

The Serbian striker spent three years as a Newcastle player, becoming a cult hero among supporters for his abrasive playing style.

But he fell out of favour with former manager Rafa Benitez, and was allowed to spend the latter-part of the 2018 season on loan at Fulham.

The London club made the loan move permanent in 2018 when they agreed a £22m with Newcastle for his services.

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