AYOZE PEREZ is not concerned about the arrival of more forwards at Newcastle United, and is determined to show Steve McClaren he deserves to start in the Premier League.

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The Magpies confirmed the arrival of Anderlecht defender Chancel Mbemba last night and he follows Georginio Wijnaldum and Aleksandar Mitrovic to St James' Park at a combined cost of more than £30m, but McClaren is still awaiting further good news on the recruitment front.

There is a desire to see defensive reinforcements beyond Mbemba – who was granted Governing Body Endorsement for the transfer by the FA yesterday and is now just waiting for a working visa - but Newcastle are still targeting more attack-minded players.

It emerged over the last 48 hours that a fresh offer to Marseille for Florian Thauvin has been rebuffed as well as claims in Italy that a £4.5m offer for M’Baye Niang was rejected by AC Milan.

Queens Park Rangers’ Charlie Austin remains the preferred signing, although the Loftus Road club are standing firm over demands for a £15m fee.

If Newcastle were to add at least one of those to McClaren’s squad before the visit of Southampton on August 8, it would increase the chances of Perez starting the campaign on the bench.

But after scoring Newcastle’s goal in Wednesday’s defeat at York City – just moments after being asked to play more centrally after Mitrovic’s withdrawal – the Spaniard is just focused on his own role.

Perez said: “I've tried to give my best in pre-season but after that it's up to the coach to make the decision about who plays against Southampton. I just have to make sure I'm ready for the next game, whether that's starting as a substitute or whatever.

“Mitrovic is a very good player and we played well together at York. Whether he plays or Papiss (Cisse), it doesn't matter to me. I just have to think about performing and showing what it is I can do to stay in the side.”

Perez has operated out wide and even in a more withdrawn midfield role during pre-season and expects to be involved against Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday.

He said: “Playing out wide I can keep in touch with the ball and get plenty of touches. That's more comfortable for me. But I'll play wherever the gaffer asks me to.”

The chances of landing Niang, linked with St James’ Park for more than a year, appear to be receding. The player’s agent Moussa Ndiaye has hinted Niang will be staying at the San Siro.

But there were no such problems with the deal for Mbemba. The Congo international, 20, played all six of Anderlecht's Champions League games last season alongside Mitrovic.

He said: "I'm very, very happy to be here. This is the biggest league in the world and I'm very proud to wear the shirt for this team and play in this league.

"I'm going to do everything I can to help make the supporters happy, to help out my team-mates and to bring something extra to the team. I know the team very well. I've watched the Premier League and I know this is a massive team with big players and with a great coach.

“I've come here to Newcastle United because it's a very good move in my career to play for such a famous club. I am excited for the season ahead."

McClaren, frustrated by his side’s performance in a defensive and attacking sense at York, could lose a player and a coach before another new arrival.

Alan Pardew hopes to take both Fabricio Coloccini and goalkeeper Andy Woodman to Crystal Palace.

It is understood Palace have entered negotiations with Newcastle for Woodman, even though McClaren claimed nothing should be read into the fact he was not at York on Wednesday night.

Newcastle are, though, close to completing the signing of Northampton prospect Ivan Toney. The 19-year-old is due for a medical and, provided there are no hiccups, he could be immediately loaned back out again to help his development.