The Serbian has struggled for goals all seasons and it appears as if his time at Newcastle United is running out.
Passion can only take you so far. For example, Alan Shearer may have been born and raised in the Gallowgate but he possessed the dead-eyed, record-shattering finishing ability to scribe his name into Newcastle United folklore.
Barring a dramatic turnaround in fortunes, Aleksandar Mitrovic will not be cementing his place in Magpies history any time soon. The Chronicle reports that the Serbian striker, despite his clear love for the club and its vociferous support, could be pushed out at the end of the season as Rafael Benitez aims to tip the balance in favour of consistency rather than combustibility.
Mitrovic has only scored four league goals all season while his penchant for wasting chance after chance means supporters are rapidly running out of patience. So too, it seems, is his manager.
The 22-year-old may have netted the winner against Wolves in a rare start a week ago but did not return after the interval for fear that he would get himself sent off. It proved to be a wise call, as the striker himself admitted.
And, according to The Chronicle, Benitez could sanction Mitrovic’s exit due to concerns over his ability to make the grade in the top flight if Newcastle earn promotion.
The publication adds that the Spaniard has been impressed with Mitrovic’s desire and application, and believes he is unfairly treated by referees, but the striker’s representatives are continuing to look for alternative destinations amid interest from Germany and Italy.
And it is a sign of how far he has fallen that, in the eyes of many supporters, he will not be missed.
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