Newcastle signings are 'statement of intent' - McClaren

Georginio Wijnaldum cost Newcastle £14.5m with Aleksandar Mitrovic arriving for £13m

Newcastle have made a "statement of intent" by signing Georginio Wijnaldum and Aleksandar Mitrovic, according to head coach Steve McClaren.

Midfielder Wijnaldum, 24, signed for £14.5m from PSV, while £13m striker Mitrovic, 20, joined from Anderlecht.

Owner Mike Ashley has been heavily criticised for a lack of investment in player signings in recent seasons.

"It shows where we want to go. It's a statement of intent," the former England boss told BBC Newcastle.

"We've had to be patient and the first two through the door are the right age and the right experience."

Mitrovic, 20, was confirmed by the Magpies on Tuesday, having netted 36 league goals in two seasons at Anderlecht.

"His record is good, he's a young talent and his profile is ideal," McClaren added.

"He's a player we've been following for quite a while.

"We looked at his record, looked at a few of his games and [chief scout] Graham Carr watched him a lot of times.

"Credit to Graham and [managing director] Lee Charnley for getting it over the line."

Newcastle finished last season 15th in the Premier League, only staying up on the final day by ending a 10-game winless run with victory against West Ham.