Haris Vukic has been told by Rafa Benitez that he doesn’t feature in the manager’s plans for the coming season, according to Chronicle Live.
Having spent last season on loan at Wigan Athletic, the youngster revealed he has spoken to the manager and been disappointed by the response:
“At the moment I’m not in his plans.
“But hopefully with my games I can show him that I can at least deserve a chance and that he can try me in different positions.
“Hopefully he will do that.”
It doesn’t sound as if last season’s spell at Wigan has done him any favours in terms of a long-term future at the club. Despite contributing to their League One title win, he has yet to produce the form which asserts himself in Rafa’s mind.
His versatility may be his problem.
Being able to play anywhere along the front line is great for a manager in a squad but not good for players; they have to nail down a particular position otherwise it’s hard for them to remain in the starting XI.
It seems likely that another loan spell is the likeliest outcome for this season.