Karl Darlow. left out of the 2-1 friendly victory over Hearts as Newcastle continued to haggle with Middlesbrough over a fee, any prospect of a move to Teesside has now evaporated.
While Tim Krul remained on Tyneside last week, Darlow was allowed to train in Ireland with the first-team squad.
He even came on at the interval at Deepdale and contributed a decent save.
At that stage, perhaps it appeared as if the 26-year-old was playing his way back into the fold at Newcastle.
Then, just 26 minutes after he was brought on, Darlow was unceremoniously hooked.
As Darlow trudged off, to be replaced by Freddie Woodman, he did shake hands with Benitez on the touchline, but this appeared to be a telling sign.
Benitez is renowned for his ruthlessness and he wants a new goalkeeper, as well as a proven striker.
Mitrovic and Darlow could both depart as a result of those desire. But if either are going to stay then, at this stage, surprisingly it appears at if Mitrovic will be the one to remain on Tyneside next term - and not Darlow.