Steve McClaren has said that new signing Aleksandar Mitrovic has "a lot of potential" following his move to Newcastle United this summer.
The Serbian striker is thought to have cost the club around £13m to sign from Anderlecht, but he could not get on the scoresheet in pre-season friendlies against York City and Borussia Monchengladbach.
The manager told the Daily Mail: "I think there is a chance the fans could really like him up here. I think you saw that when he came on [against Monchengladbach].
"He's one of them old type of centre-forwards. He's only 20 years old as well so he's still got a lot of potential to come. I'll see how he trains this week before deciding if he starts [against Southampton].
Newcastle host Saints on the opening day of the new Premier League season.
