Newcastle United "fought off a lot of competition" for Aleksandar Mitrovic

Newcastle United head coach Steve McClaren has conceded that his club had to battle to secure the services of Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The Magpies confirmed the arrival of the striker from Anderlecht this morning on a five-year contract.

However, McClaren has revealed that it was not a straightforward process to sign the 20-year-old, who had previously been linked with the likes of Chelsea, Roma and Porto.

"This is a fantastic signing for us. We have fought off a lot of competition to secure a top young talent in Europe," he told the club's official website.

"Aleksandar is someone who can develop with the team and someone who will help us to get to where we want to go. As a board we have worked hard to make it happen. It is another demonstration that we are wanting to push on."

The completion of the move is subject to Mitrovic being granted the appropriate visa.