Newcastle and Bordeaux complete £4.5m Henri Saivet deal

Saivet, 25, had been tipped to join the Magpies – who have had a strong recent history of buying from Ligue 1 – for a number of weeks. On Monday Bordeaux manager Willy Sagnol confirmed that a deal was in place before the player arrived in England to complete a medical and agree terms.

The deal is reported to be worth around €6 million (£4.5m).

"I am very happy to be here at Newcastle," Saivet told the club's website. "I am really proud to be able to play for this club, and I am really excited at the challenge that lies ahead.

"St. James' Park is a really impressive and special stadium. In France there is nothing that compares to this, and I can't wait to get out there with my new team-mates and help the team climb the table."

Newcastle boss Steve McClaren added: "This is someone with a very good mentality, who is a tough player and a winner. Those are key qualities you need in the Premier League and we are looking forward to seeing him pulling on the Newcastle United shirt."

Saivet was born in Senegal but joined Bordeaux as a junior, eventually becoming the youngest player in the club’s history when he made his debut as a 17-year-old in 2007.

Predominantly a wide player, Saivet has played more centrally this season – offering McClaren some versatility in the final third as Newcastle bid to avoid relegation this season.

“Saivet wanted to the leave the club, he needed a new challenge,” Sagnol admitted. “He was here for a long time.

"I gave my consent to his departure. It will have an impact because he is a good player. For me, Saviet was our most important player for the first six months.

“Others must seize their chance. He will be greatly missed.”