---
title: "Benitez ready to sell struggling Newcastle star, despite potential PL interest"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/benitez-ready-to-sell-struggling-newcastle-star-despite-potential-pl-interest/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Christy Malyan"
section: "Newcastle United"
published: "2017-03-09T19:10:08Z"
modified: "2017-03-09T19:10:08Z"
---

# Benitez ready to sell struggling Newcastle star, despite potential PL interest

**Newcastle United punters in the Transfer Tavern are enjoying their ale and the strong likelihood Rafa Benitez’s side will return to the Premier League next season.**

The Magpies are currently top of the Championship table, three points clear of second-place Brighton, and now seem almost certain to gain promotion to the top flight at the first time of asking – sitting nine points above the playoff spots.

But it appears the Rafalution on Tyneside may well leave hot-headed striker Aleksandar Mitrovic behind this summer, after the Serbian was left out of the Toon’s last two matchday squads by their Champions League winning manager.

And according to [The Sun](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/3044025/newcastle-boss-rafa-benitez-ready-to-sell-striker-aleksandar-mitrovic-at-the-end-of-the-season/), Benitez is now ready to sell Mitrovic in the summer, having witnessed him muster up just four goals in 19 Championship outings this term – although only eight of them have been starts.

In terms of potential next destinations for the 22-year-old, [The Sun](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/3044025/newcastle-boss-rafa-benitez-ready-to-sell-striker-aleksandar-mitrovic-at-the-end-of-the-season/) claim Mitrovic has already attracted attention from Serie A, whilst clubs in the bottom half of the Premier League may be prepared to take a punt on him.

In stark contrast to his Championship form, Mitrovic netted nine times in the top flight last season – although that wasn’t enough to steer his Newcastle side clear of relegation.

**Should Benitez sell Mitrovic, Newcastle fans? Let us know by commenting below!**