Newcastle United have signed a 'proper player' - set to link up with squad in 2025

That’s according to former Everton and Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness, who has spoken to someone tracking the 19-year-old’s progress in the Netherlands.

Pivas joined the Magpies from Serbian top-flight side FK Jedinstvo Ub in the summer before being loaned to Willem II, however he was not allowed to train or play for the Eredivisie club for the best part of two weeks due to issues over obtaining a visa.

He returned to his homeland and trained at his former club while he went through the process of gaining a work permit. Serbia is not part of the EU so a GVVA is required for players who will spend more than three months in Holland.

While Pivas is now eligible to play for Willem II, he has been limited to just one substitute appearance, which ended in a 2-0 defeat to PSV Eindhoven. In the last two matches against Almere City and Sittard, the defender hasn’t made it off the bench.

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It’s been far from an ideal start for Pivas but Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, believes: “I think he’ll be able to come back to Newcastle next year. He’s now playing for Willem II in the Netherlands, his issues with work permits have been resolved.

“He’s been selected for the national team setup in Serbia as well. Pivas will be playing at a good level, getting good experience – and that’s what a normal 19-year-old signing would be doing anyway.

“I think it will work out okay for him. I called my contact in Holland about him, and he says he is looking like a proper player. It could be a really good signing for Newcastle going forward.”

Just months before joining Newcastle, Pivas received a glowing review from former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic — comparing him to Nemanja Vidic and Branislav Ivanovic.

Darren Eales, CEO at Newcastle, recently said: “Miodrag is a promising talent with high potential. Our recruitment network is continuing to watch young players like Miodrag around the world with a view to identifying and developing them into first team players of the future.”