As we approach the final months of the 2016/17 Sky Bet Championship campaign, Brighton and Hove Albion and Newcastle United remain in a fiery race for the title.

The season has very much been a two-horse race between the juggernauts, who play each other at the AMEX Stadium on the 28th of February in what looks to be a title-deciding encounter.

As the Magpies prepare to face Aston Villa on Monday night, Rafa Benitez goes into the contest with Steve Bruce's men just two points behind Chris Hughton's Albion, with a game in hand on the Seagulls.

The St. James' Park faithful would have no doubt been expecting a complete blitz on the second tier following a dismal campaign in the top flight last term.

But, after a disappointing January transfer window, and some lacklustre performances away from home, the Geordies' position at the top of the table may have well been sustained before the clash at the AMEX in a couple of weeks.

With that being said, here FLW writer George Harbey identifies TWO fringe players that Benitez needs to offload in the summer...

 

Aleksandar Mitrovic

Despite finding himself sustain a first team position for the injured Dwight Gayle in recent weeks, the Serbian's game time may become limited once again with the 20-goal man returning from injury.

Mitrovic has been a somewhat liability of late, struggling to control his temper on the pitch and also struggling to find the back of the net too, scoring just 4 times in the league this campaign.

Swansea City were a potential suitor of the 22-year old in January, and should they come knocking for the 6-foot-2 forward again in the summer, Benitez should definitely look to cash in

Sammy Ameobi

Another fringe player who should also look to depart St James' Park in the summer is the winger.

The younger brother of Magpie legend Shola, has also found his game time limited since returning from his loan spell at Bolton Wanderers, where he scored just twice in 20 appearances for the League One club.

Should the Geordies achieve promotion back up to the Premier League this term, Benitez will need to add players who can cope with the quality of the top flight, which unfortunately, the Nigerian does not possess.

So... What do you think Newcastle fans? Should these two players leave in the Summer? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!