Newcastle United sign Aleksandar Mitrovic from Anderlecht on five-year deal

Newcastle United have signed Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic from Anderlecht on a five-year deal, subject to a work permit.

Mitrovic, 20, was the Belgian league's top scorer last season with 20 goals and joins on a deal described by Newcastle as the fourth biggest in their history.

The Serbia international, who was also linked with Manchester United, is the Magpies' second acquisition of the summer transfer window after Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum arrived from PSV Eindhoven earlier this month.

"I am so happy to have signed for Newcastle," Mitrovic told the club's official website.

"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. 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."

Mitrovic came through the ranks at Partizan Belgrade before making his debut for their affiliated side Teleoptik in 2011. He joined Anderlecht in 2013 for a reported club record transfer fee.

The forward has made 13 appearances for Serbia and scored one goal.

Newcastle manager Steve McClaren hailed the signing as a major coup for the Magpies.

"This is a fantastic signing for us. We have 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.

"We have worked hard to make it happen. It is another demonstration that we want to push on," McClaren added.