'Unbelievable': Newcastle signing dubbed next Nemanja Vidic says he 'cannot wait' to get started

While first-team signings have been sparse since the PSR mini-deadline day goalkeeper rush of 2024 Newcastle United have strengthened their academy with an exciting prospect.

Pictured at St James' Park in June, Newcastle today confirmed the arrival of 19-year-old Serbian defender Miodrag Pivas.

The youngster will drop into Newcastle's youth side but already has designs on breaking into the first-team.

Pivas has signed from Jedinstvo after helping the side clinch promotion to the Serbian Super Liga last season.

Former Manchester United defender and Serbian international Nemanja Matic heaped praise on Pivas in a recent interview.

"Great talent and serious potential. If he continues like this, he will be on his way to the national team. In my opinion, a player with such predispositions has not appeared since Nemanja Vidić and Branislav Ivanovic. A complete player and top professional."

Vidic and Ivanovic are certainly a couple of players we wouldn't have minded having at Newcastle in their heyday, so if what Matic is saying is true we've clearly got ourselves one for the future.

Pivas has spoken to Newcastle's media team for the official website and has outlined his desire to break into the first team.

“It’s absolutely unbelievable to join such a big club like Newcastle United and I cannot wait to get started. I see the project of the club and it looks great which helped convince me to sign for Newcastle.

“I see the young players have developed very well here and I would like to do the same - to develop and get into Newcastle's first team. I’m very excited and I can’t wait to begin.”

CEO Darren Eales also echoed Pivas' sentiments about the first team and saying that Pivas won't be the last young talent to come into the squad with designs of breaking into Eddie Howe's side.

“Miodrag is a promising talent with high potential. Our recruitment network is continuing to watch young players like Miodrag around the world with a view to identifying and developing them into first team players of the future.

“We are pleased to welcome him to Newcastle United and we look forward to supporting his development at this important stage of his career.”