Mitrovic on the way out?

The new season has not quite gone according to plan so far for Rafael Benítez merry band of chargers but it is the boss himself who has been the most vocal at the transfer policy at St James Park.

Following the Magpies 1-0 defeat to fellow promoted side Huddersfield at the weekend, Benitez told reporters that his side were still not ready for the Premier League. On the evidence of results so far, Benitez has a point.

The concern is a lack of support from Mike Ashley and co with the worst-case scenario being the former Real Madrid head coach heading out the door.

A league cup exit at the hands of Nottingham Forest may prove to be a blessing in disguise but before any new faces are bought in, it appears one may be heading to the exit first.

Aleksander Mitrovic only scored in the League Cup defeat to Forest on Wednesday night, but Italian Serie A side Cagliari have reportedly made an approach to check on the 22-year-olds availability and it looks like he may be allowed to leave.

The need to raise finances is critical for Rafa if he is to add players to his squad although fiery, Mitrovic has been less than prolific during his time on Tyneside.

Since his £13 million move from Anderlecht in 2015, the Serbian has only found the back of the net 13 times in 59 league appearances since.

Problems with his temperament make him a headache for managers and a lack of goals is a concern, however, not many people would have laid a number of free bets UK on Mitrovic proving a flop after 36 goals in 69 league games for the Belgian giants.

However, having fallen behind Dwight Gale and new boy Joselu in the ranks, it looks like the youngster is now deemed surplus to requirements.

The story comes with some credibility as Sky Sports north east reporter Keith Downie claimed via his personal Twitter account that Cagliari had made a move and the move looks like suiting all parties.

A stumbling block could prove to be price, Cagliari do not have the wealth of AC or Juventus and despite Mitrovic’s time in the North East perhaps not working out as planned, he is still young with plenty of potential and will command a reasonable fee.

If the move happens it will need to happen quickly, the transfer window slams shut in a matter of days not weeks and if Benitez is to add to his squad, time is certainly of the essence.

 

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