'Serious potential' - Miodrag Pivas profiled as Newcastle close in on exciting summer transfer

Newcastle United are hoping to sign exciting teenage talent Miodrag Pivas in the coming days after positive talks with the 19-year-old.

The Serbia youth international and his representatives were spotted outside St James' Park on Wednesday afternoon, causing chatter among supporters over the possibility of a new arrival on Tyneside. Pivas currently plays for newly-promoted Serbian Superliga side FK Jedinstvo Ub after joining the club last summer.

Little is known about the up and coming prospect, who is extremely highly-rated in his home country. Here is everything you need to know about Pivas ahead of his Newcastle switch.

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Who is Miodrag Pivas?

Pivas has spent recent seasons floating around the Austrian youth system before joining Jedinstvo Ub in the summer of 2023. The youngster featured 35 times across four competitions, scoring once and assisting twice.

20 of those appearances came at centre-back, with Pivas used predominantly as a right-sided option at the heart of the defence. He was deployed as a defensive midfielder on 10 occasions and even featured in the No 10 role at times, showing his versatility.

Pivas started the season as an ever-present in figure in the youth team before earning a promotion to Jedinstvo's senior side. The club gained promotion to the top flight after finishing second in the Serbia Prva Liga.

Speaking after a breakout campaign in the side, Pivas recently said: "Honestly, I was hoping to play more this half-season, but I didn't expect to establish myself in the first eleven so quickly, especially since I'm only 18 years old. I'm glad to be in a club that takes care of young players and gives a chance to everyone who works hard and proves every day."

What has been said about Pivas?

If you are a Serbian defender, there's arguably no greater compliment to receive than being compared to Manchester United legend Nemanja Vidic or Chelsea hero Branislav Ivanovic. Pivas, despite still being a baby-faced teen, is already being compared to both Premier League greats.

Nemanja Matic, speaking in April, made the positive comparisons when praising Pivas' ability. "Great talent and serious potential," he said. "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."

Matic isn't the only Serb to wax lyrical over the Newcastle-bound star, with Jedinstvo assistant manager Marko Rajovic also talking up the club's exciting prospect in an interview earlier this year.

"It's really refreshing to see such a young player, who approaches his duties so seriously and professionally," he told media in his native country. "He is always in a good mood and does his best to meet the demands that are expected of him on the field. There is still a lot of room for improvement and I have no doubt that he will achieve his full potential."

Newcastle's plan for the youngster

Newcastle United, in their post-takeover era, have moved to sign ambitious deals with exciting young stars in recent seasons. Pivas looks to be next on the list as the club's under-21 squad is bolstered.

Serbian media suggest a loan deal back to the country's top flight could be a possibility, while recently-relegated Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem are another named destination. It's likely Eddie Howe and his staff will also want a look at Pivas in his new surroundings over the summer.

Newcastle have signed a wealth of teenagers of late, landing the likes of Leo Shahar, Trevan Sanusi, Alex Murphy, Travis Hernes, Charlie McArthur, Cathal Heffernan and Alfie Harrison to bolster their youth ranks.