Newcastle set to sign 19-year-old defensive midfielder in coming days as free agent - He's a 'huge talent'

Newcastle United are closing in on their second transfer of the summer with 19-year-old free agent Miodrag Pivas set to join next week.

Pivas was spotted at St James' Park on Wednesday sparking chatter online before it was revealed that the Serbian defensive midfielder was set to finalise his move to Tyneside in the coming days.

It's a signing that's definitely seen as one for the future with the youngster coming from the Serbian Superliga where he made 18 appearances for FK Jedinstvo Ub, but with his contract set to expire at the end of the month, Newcastle have swooped in to pick him up.

Pivas has been hailed as one of Serbia's brightest young stars, so Newcastle have done well to act fast and pick him up before he picked up interest from elsewhere.

via NUFC Blog

Nemanja Matic calls Pivas a huge talent

Former Manchester United and Serbia star Nemanja Matic has heaped praise on Pivas with the Northern Echo relaying quotes from the 35-year-old Lyon star:

"A huge talent and serious potential.

"If he continues this way, he's on the path to the national team. In my opinion, we haven't seen a player with such predispositions since Nemanja Vidic and Bradislav Ivanovic. A complete player and a top professional.”

Pivas will likely be sent out on loan next season

We may see Pivas during pre-season if Eddie Howe wants to give him a look over, but we don't expect he'll be involved in the first-team next season, in fact we'd not be surprised if, like Yankuba Minteh last year, he'll be sent out on loan.

Let's just hope that if he has the same success as Minteh we don't just flog him on next year as still seems likely for Minteh.

Regardless, it's great to see Newcastle still hunting for exciting young talent even without Dan Ashworth's involvement.