Steve McClaren has outlined his transfer policy as Newcastle United boss and stated that he will be assessing a player's "character" as a priority.

The former Derby County manager was officially unveiled as John Carver's replacement on Wednesday, and immediately set about targeting a top-eight finish.

McClaren told The Mirror: "There is expectation here, and 52,000 fans demand a performance. To do that we need characters. I've had a long chat with [chief scout] Graham Carr. Top of the formula in terms of recruitment is character. Everything starts with that.

"I've worked abroad and with foreign players, and I had foreigners at Middlesbrough [when he was manager there a decade ago]. It doesn't matter where they are from if they have character. That's what we have to recruit.

"We can't stand still in football. We can't just say we'll make these players better. If you stand still you go backwards. It is a unique club. Sometimes good players go to a big club and the shirt is too big for them. They cross the white line and they can't deliver."

McClaren was sacked from Derby after missing out on a playoff place at the end of the season.