Newcastle’s latest recruit Aleksandar Mitrovic has set himself the target of emulating Alan Shearer by becoming a huge success at St James’ Park.

Mitrovic joined Steve McClaren’s side for £13m after finishing as leading scorer for Anderlecht in Belgium last year.

The 20-year-old Serbian says Newcastle icon Shearer was a hero for him growing up and he wants to emulate the striker.

“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,”
said Mitrovic.

“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 scored a famous equaliser for Anderlecht in their Champions League game at Arsenal last November, his stoppage-time effort capping a remarkable recovery from three goals down.

He scored 36 league goals in two years at Anderlecht after joining from Partizan Belgrade.

He is McClaren’s second summer signing following the £14.5m arrival of PSV midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum and the former England boss says Newcastle have landed one of Europe’s most promising young players.

“We have fought off a lot of competition to secure a top young talent in Europe,” said McClaren.

“Aleksandar is someone who can develop with the team and someone who will help us to get to where we want to go.”

Newcastle are 23.00 to win Without the Big 6 for next season’s Premier League while they are 3.00 to win their first game of the season against Southampton on Sunday August 9.