Aleksandar Mitrovic tells Newcastle he wants to quit the club next month

ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC has told Newcastle he wants to quit the club next month.

The Serbian striker, 23, is not rated by Toon boss Rafa Benitez and has failed to start a single Premier League game this season.

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And Mitrovic is now seeking a January exit, even though Benitez will only sell him if he can sign a replacement in the transfer window.

The fans’ favourite, who joined from Anderlecht for £13million in 2015, said: "I persistently waited for the chance over the past months and I did not get it.

"I'm sorry because, after all, I loved Newcastle, but it's time for me to look more to myself, to find the best solution for my career.

"I tried to be honest with myself and my team-mates at every training and match.

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“And the fact that I did not get a chance is simply not up to me.

“Everyone knows that I was left unintentionally in the background.”

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Benitez has explained Mitrovic’s recent absence from his matchday squad on a back injury.

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But the hitman told Serbian publication Zurnal: "I never felt better, I'm physically in flawless form. I cannot wait to play.

“The most important thing is to find a club and finally get a chance in the field."