Newcastle's £12.3m Signing Mitrovic "Looks Crazy" - But He "Gets The Ball And Scores", Says Ex Boss

Newcastle United's new £12.3 million signing Aleksandar Mitrovic may "look crazy" - but he scores goals for fun. At least that's the view of his former Anderlecht head coach Besnik Hasi, who is devastated to lose his star striker to the Magpies, but is convinced Mitrovic will be a success in the Premier League. On Tuesday, Newcastle confirmed the acquisition of the 20-year-old Serbia striker - making him their second summer signing after Georginio Wijnaldum, who they bought from PSV Eindhoven for £14.5 million. What's more, Mitrovic's ex-Anderlecht teammate Chancel Mbemba is expected to become the Magpies' third signing in little more than a week-and-a-half in a £7.5 million deal.

But it is Mitrovic who seems to be the player who will really get fans excited due to his eccentric personality - and his ability to find the back of the net. Mitrovic is expected to make his Magpies debut at Bramall Lane in the pre-season friendly against Sheffield United on Sunday and his former Anderlecht boss Hasi, quoted in The Mirror, said of the forward:

"With tattoos and funny haircut he might look crazy but he's not. He's a hard worker, someone who gives everything in every single duel. And his level is constantly increasing. "His main quality is to score - give him a ball in the box and it's in. "(In the) last two years his level increased a lot - he took a step forward last year on the football and mental scale. He's also physically stronger. "He knows that England is not Belgium. People are stronger and the ball goes faster. But he showed in Champions League that he can be good in tough matches and that he can stay calm and focused. "Sometimes you don't see him for 80 minutes and he gets a ball and scores. "Newcastle is a big step forward. I hope he'll play everything. He can score goals and become a top striker but he first has to settle as a good scorer. He's more mature than before."

Mitrovic's acquisition proves that Magpies owner Mike Ashley meant business with his promise to spend money this summer - and the cash look set to continue to flow in the coming weeks. 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.