With the January transfer window approaching, the rumour mill is whirling again and there are emerging reports that out-of-favour Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic could be on his way out of Saint James’ Park when the transfer market re-opens during winter.
The Serbian international has yet to start any league game this term, with only 30 minutes afforded him over 2 substitution appearances.
Anderlecht has been linked with registering an interest in their former striker, but Toons manager Rafa Benitez has claimed players’ recruitment and exit talks are too early to be discussed now, with 2 months left before the window re-opens.
The Spaniard believes everything will be clearer in December, as preparations to replace outgoing players will be fully underway by then.
Responding to reports linking Mitrovic and some other players away from Tyneside, Benitez said: “Every player who is not playing, the closer we get to January, there could be a rumour in the Press.
“But at the moment we are working with 26 players in the squad to try to improve them. I cannot say, ‘I want to do this or that’, because maybe we cannot.
“I had this conversation with an agent the other day, I said: ‘You have to wait until December to see where we are because if I say yes, he can go, after that we could have an injury.’ So why do I have to sell my player if I don’t have a replacement.
“Then you go for the replacement and it’s £30million, or he wants to wait until next year, or won’t come because we don’t play Champions League.
“So why do I have to agree to something now when have two months to go? Are we working on names? Yes, you have to be ready.”
Newcastle are looking to make further additions to their squad in January, with the striking department particularly in need of quality options.
Joselu has been the first choice striker thus far, and with the club keen on shopping for another forward, it’s safe to say Mitrovic’s Newcastle career is nearing its end.
