Brighton battling for Aleksandar Mitrovic

Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has emerged as a January transfer target for Premier League rivals Brighton, the Chronicle has reported.

The 23-year-old Serbian striker has been a subject of intense interest during the summer transfer market but ended up in the Tyneside after rejecting approaches from Italy and the Championship.

Aleksandar Mitrovic has lost his place in the starting line-up at Newcastle and has seen his playing time limited to just one Premier League appearance so far this term. Mitrovic has one goal on his tally, but an elbow on West Ham’s Manuel Lanzini got him a three-match ban which is unlikely to help him get back in the starting line-up anytime soon.

Rafa Benitez seems to be open towards offloading the Serbian striker and the January market will present a new opportunity for Mitrovic to change clubs.

Former Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton, now behind the wheel at Brighton, is said to be a huge admirer of Mitrovic’s talents and is expected to make a move for the explosive forward once the window reopens in January.

Despite his limited playing time with Newcastle United Aleksandar Mitrovic has been a regular for Serbia, helping his country clinch a World Cup spot this week with an assist in a 1-0 win over Georgia.