STEVE McCLAREN has described Aleksandar Mitrovic’s £12m move to Newcastle United as a “statement of intent”, and expressed confidence the striker will hit the ground running at the start of the new campaign.

The lowdown on Aleksandar Mitrovic

Mitrovic, who has signed a five-year deal at St James’ Park, was formally confirmed as the Magpies’ second summer signing this morning.

His arrival takes Newcastle’s summer outlay beyond the £26m mark following the earlier capture of midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, with the Magpies having beaten off competition from Porto and Roma to land the 20-year-old Serbia international.

Having proved himself at both Partizan Belgrade and Anderlecht, Mitrovic will now make the step up to the Premier League, with McClaren confident his club’s latest signing will prove a huge success.

“I’m delighted,” said the Newcastle head coach, who is currently in the United States ahead of the Magpies’ final tour game against Portland Timbers. “It’s been a long process, a lot of opposition for his signature and we’re delighted he’s made this step to us.

“He’s a tremendous addition and again, a statement of intent that the club want to go forward.

“I think he’ll fit right in. Players like that tend to. He has to adapt, but he’s adapted everywhere he’s been.

“He’s only very young, he made his debut in Serbia and moved to Anderlecht so he’s already made one move and adapted to a different league so he’s got experience of that at a young age.

“Now he’s got to do it again, adapt to our training and the Premier League, but he’s a good acquisition for the squad.”

Mitrovic scored 27 goals last season as Anderlecht finished third in Belgium’s Jupiler League, with his performances in the Champions League in particular helping bring him to the attention of some of Europe’s biggest sides.

“If he brings 27 goals we’d be delighted,” said McClaren, on NUFC TV. “He’d not need to do anything else!

“He brings goals. He’s got potential and talent and I think that’s an ideal signing and profile for the football club. We want to develop him and bring him in and give him the experience, however long it takes to get him used to the Premier League.

“He’s a much sought after striker in Europe and for Newcastle to get him is fantastic.”

The Magpies’ summer spending will not stop there, with a deal for Anderlecht defender Chancel Mbemba continuing to progress despite potential problems with the 20-year-old’s work permit.

Newcastle remain in discussions with QPR about a possible deal for Charlie Austin, although Aston Villa are currently believed to be leading the race for the England international, with Christian Benteke on the verge of leaving Villa Park for Liverpool.

“We’ve been working hard behind-the-scenes, but they’ve got to be the right ones,” said McClaren. “With the two we’ve brought in, we’ve got the right ones so far.”