Newcastle United new boy Aleksandar Mitrovic has thrown down the gauntlet for Premier League defenders ahead of the new season.

The 20-year-old Serbian striker, who arrived at St James' Park in a £13million deal from Anderlecht, is ready to match the physicality of the top flight and get stuck-in with England's elite defenders.

"I have no direct message for defenders," he said.

"They are going to kick me from the first minute and, of course, I will kick them back. That is normal for me. They will know all about me."

Newcastle will begin their campaign against Southampton at home on Sunday.