Newcastle sign Aleksandar Mitrovic in £12.5 million deal

Newcastle have signed striker Aleksandar Mitrovic on a five-year deal from Anderlecht.

The 20-year-old arrives subject to receiving the appropriate visa in a deal the club claims is the fourth biggest in their history.

The Serbia international said: “There will be pressure here, for sure, but I like pressure. I also know about the famous players who have played for Newcastle United, like Alan Shearer who is a hero of mine. I hope I can play like him for this club. It will be an honour.”

“I am so happy to have signed for Newcastle. I visited the stadium yesterday and it’s amazing. I have played in a lot of impressive stadiums in my career but St. James’ Park is so big, I can’t wait to play my first game here.

“I know how passionate the fans are. This is a club with a very big history and the fans are a big part of that.”

In two seasons at Anderlecht, Mitrovic scored 36 goals in 69 games and won the Belgian Pro League title and Belgian Super Cup in 2014.

He started his career at Serbian side Teleoptik and has one goal in 13 games for his country.

Mitrovic follows PSV Eindhoven midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum to St James’ Park and head coach Steve McClaren believes they have pulled off a coup.

“I think this is a fantastic signing for us. We’ve fought off a lot of competition to secure a top young talent in Europe,” he said.

“Aleksandar is someone who can develop with the team and someone who will help us to get to where we want to go.

“As a board we have worked hard to make it happen. It’s another demonstration that we are wanting to push on.”