A lot of speculation has orientated around Newcastle United heading into the January transfer window, where the Magpies are seeking the signings they need to ensure they don’t endure an immediate return to the Championship.
Rafael Benitez is desperate to bolster his ranks this month, particularly in the forward areas, and is pushing for funds to spend. However, finances remain strict and Mike Ashley has kept the club on the market, which means that the Spanish boss won’t get the fees he’s searching for.
As such, the majority of Newcastle’s movement in the January transfer window is likely to be in the loan market. Whilst that could work for the club in their attempts to sign a left-sided defender and a goalkeeper, the striking story is a different option altogether.
Newcastle will find it very difficult to complete a deal for a top-class striker on-loan, which is why Benitez needs to soften his stance and provide Aleksander Mitrovic with an avenue back into the first-team frame.
The 23-year-old Serbian, capped 33 times by his nation, is arguably the best attacking option that Newcastle have within their ranks, ahead of Dwight Gayle and Joselu, but he’s been a regular absentee from the first-team.
Newcastle could raise a decent price by selling Mitrovic but that would certainly be a questionable choice at a time where goals are at a premium in the North East. If funds do need to be raised, then other exits need to take priority.
There’s no doubt that Mitrovic is adequate enough and it’s understandable that he’s pushing for more regular action, as he has his World Cup campaign with Serbia this summer to think about, and it’s time that Rafael Benitez utilises his talents once again.
