Rafael Benitez: 'Aleksandar Mitrovic future to be decided in May'

By Jonny Whitfield, Reporter | 11 March 2018

Benitez: 'Mitrovic future decided in May'

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez reveals that the future of striker Aleksandar Mitrovic will be decided at the end of the season.

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has revealed that the future of striker Aleksandar Mitrovic will be decided at the end of the season.

The Serbian international, who is on loan at Fulham, took his tally to seven goals in eight games for the Cottagers with a game-winning brace against Preston North End.

Benitez told reporters after the game that he is happy to allow Mitrovic to flourish in West London before deciding on whether to bring the striker back to West London.

"There are two ways to analyse this," the Spanish coach said. "One is Mitrovic is scoring goals in the Championship. It's good news for him and us. Two, he is playing before the World Cup and he is our player.

"We then have to discuss his future in May. In May we will see and if he is doing well, fine no problem. It's not about style. We were the best team in the Championship and had an offensive style.

"We scored 85 and conceded 40. We were the best team bar none. We had more shots on target than anyone and we were second on crosses. So everything was there in place."

Newcastle earned a crucial 3-0 win over Southampton on Saturday, with goals coming from Kenedy and Matt Richie.