Newcastle Boss Demands To See "Goals" From Aleksandar Mitrovic - Rather Than "Character"

Steve McClaren could hardly contain his joy after Newcastle United completed the £12.3 million signing of Aleksandar Mitrovic - and admitted he'd be "delighted" if the forward brings the same 28-goal return as he managed for Anderlecht last season to the Magpies in 2015-16. Interestingly, the Magpies head coach also revealed that the "tremendous addition" of Mitrovic was a "statement of intent" from Newcastle after the club held off "a lot of opposition" for the striker. Mitrovic netted 44 goals in 90 matches for Anderlecht, but has a career total of 69 strikes from 158 games - and the striker has promised to deliver in the box for the Toon, as well as continuing his aggressive style on the playing field.

The forward himself, in his first interview with NUFCTV, admitted he loves to "fight" on the pitch - and has promised to score goals for the Magpies because "the box is the place I feel comfortable". And his new head coach McClaren is overjoyed with the acquisition of the 20-year-old Serbian international. Speaking to NUFCTV, McClaren said after the signing of Mitrovic was confirmed:

"Delighted (to have Mitrovic on board) - it's been a long process, a lot of opposition for his signature. We're delighted that he's made this step to us.

"(He's a) tremendous addition and again a statement of intent that the club wants to go forward.

"If he brings 27 goals (he actually scored 28 last season) we'll be delighted - he doesn't need to bring anything else. He brings goals, he's got potential, he's got talent - I think that's an ideal signing profile for the football club.

"We want to develop him, bring him in and give him the experience - however long it takes him to adapt to the Premier League. He's a much sought-after striker in Europe and for Newcastle to get him is fantastic.

"Players like that (tall and aggressive) tend to (fit into the Premier League). He has to adapt - he's adapted everywhere he's gone. He was very young when he made his debut and moved to Anderlecht so he's made one move already and adapted to a different league so he's got experience of that at a young age.

"He moves here and he's got to do that again - adapt to the Premier League and adapt to the boys here and our training. A good acquisition for the squad."

Mitrovic has been described as somewhat of a character and McClaren seemed keen to highlight he prefers to have players perform on the pitch - rather than impress the fans off it.

The head coach, who was pretty much predicting Mitrovic will bring the club plenty of headlines, did say he believed the striker was "the right sort of character" though. He continued:

"Character? Yeah I prefer goals and performances (rather) than character but if character goes together with that then fine but he's a young player who's very confident and who is already an international. We can't wait to start working with him, help him to improve and (him to) help our team to win.

"We've been working very hard behind the scenes. (The signings) have got to be the right ones and I believe with the two players we've brought in we've got the right ones so far."

Mitrovic could make his Newcastle debut when the Magpies take on Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in a pre-season friendly on Sunday. CLICK HERE to read "17 Things Newcastle Fans Need To Know About Aleksandar Mitrovic".And CLICK HERE to read quotes for Mitrovic€™s first Newcastle interview - in which he admits he loves to €œfight€ on the pitch.For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.