Newcastle United close in on signing 6ft 2in Serbia hot prospect

Newcastle United have held positive talks with Miodrag Pivas with the Magpies hoping to sign the Serbian youth international in the coming days.

The 19-year-old and his agent were snapped by a fan outside St James' Park and a final decision from the teenager is awaited. The youngster currently plies his trade in the Serbian Superliga with FK Jedinstvo Ub but his contract is due to expire soon.

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Pivas can play at centre-back or as a number 6 and stands at 6ft 2in with Newcastle eager to bolster their reserve ranks. A huge shake up at the Academy took place earlier this summer with Will Brown, Jude Smith, Jordan Hackett, Matthew Bondswell, Lucas De Bolle, Kyle Crossley, Dylan Stephenson, Shaun Mavididi and Rodrigo Vilca all released.

Adam Harrison, Aidan Harris, Johnny Emerson, Anthony Munda, Scott Bailey, Sean Neave, Dylan Charlton, Rory Powell, Harry Powell, Josh Donaldson and Darren Palmer are all in line to turn professional this summer and they could be joined by Serbia Under-17 star Piva soon.

Academy chief Steve Harper said recently: "I would also like to congratulate the players who have agreed new contracts. The hard work continues and it gets tougher every year as they look to continue their development, but they should all take great pride in this recognition and use it as motivation for the season ahead."