Newcastle Boss Rafa Benitez Ready to Sell Forgotten Magpies Striker Aleksandar Mitrovic in January

Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has become a forgotten man at Newcastle United, having just made three appearances for the Magpies across all competitions

Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has become a forgotten man at Newcastle United, having just made three appearances for the Magpies across all competitions this season.

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is reportedly ready to cash in on the 23-year-old and will aim to offload the striker in the January transfer window. Newcastle apparently failed to move Mitrovic on in the summer, but will try again in the new year providing that the club can line up a replacement. 

A polarising figure at Newcastle, some fans will believe that if Mitrovic is sold that he was not given a fair chance to prove himself.

Still believe Mitrovic is our most effective striker. Not sure why he’s not even making the squad #NUFC

— NUFC HQ (@NUFC_HQ) October 30, 2017

Mitrovic has made 61 league appearances for Newcastle since his reported £13m move from Anderlecht in 2015. He has managed 14 league goals in that time.

This season, Mitrovic has fallen behind in the pecking order at the club. Joselu and Dwight Gayle seem to be Benitez's first choice forwards, while Mitrovic cannot even make the substitutes' bench. 

Newcastle's Rafael Benitez Monitors Turkish International to Add to His Striking Options https://t.co/WHDl0Dlkg0

— NewcastlePro (@NewcastlePro) October 31, 2017

More so than his goal scoring prowess, Mitrovic will be remembered at Newcastle for his aggressive playing style and disciplinary record. The striker was booked just 22 seconds into his Newcastle debut. He completed his first season with the club with nine league goals and two red cards.

Mitrovic became the sixth player in Premier League history to register a goal, an assist, and a red card in a single match on the final day of the 2015-2016 season against Tottenham Hotspur.

But if he is moved on, many Newcastle fans will feel he had much more to give to club if he was given a chance. It may prove to be a missed opportunity for the Magpies.