Newcastle United have signed 19-year-old Serbian centre-back Miodrag Pivas from FK Jedinstvo Ub, eyeing first-team success.

Doctor verified

Newcastle: Premier League club Newcastle United have announced the signing of young Serbian centre-back Miodrag Pivas from FK Jedinstvo UB.

The 19-year-old has represented Serbia at Under-17 level. His versatility allows him to switch from a defensive position to a defensive midfield position.

Last season, he helped Jedinstvo finish as runners-up in the Second Division and earn promotion to the Serbian Super Liga.

He expressed his delight after signing for the club, telling newcastleunited.com, “It's absolutely incredible to be joining a big club like Newcastle United and I can't wait to get started. I see the club and the Premier League project

It looks great, which helped me sign for Newcastle.”

“I see the young players here have developed so well, and that's what I want to do – to develop and get into the Newcastle first team. I'm very excited, and I can't wait to get started,” he added.

Pivas revealed the attributes that make him a threat and said, “My best strengths are my speed, centre-back, as well as my heading and passing ability.”

Still, at the age of 19, Pivas is looking to break into Newcastle United's first team setup and show his true potential.

“I want to start playing for the first team as soon as possible and show what I can do. I have seen a lot of Newcastle games, they are playing very well and I believe I can play at that level,” he said.

“I won promotion last season and to reach the top in Serbia was amazing. It was an incredible feeling and because of my manager (Ivan Radovanovic), who played in Serie A for 15 years and was very important to me, I learned a lot playing as a centre-back,” he added.

Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales believes Piwas has the potential to do well and will back the youngster to succeed in his career.

“Miodrag is a promising talent with high potential. Our recruitment network is looking around the world to identify and develop young players like Miodrag into future first team players. We are delighted to welcome him to Newcastle United and look forward to supporting his development at this important stage in his career,” he said.