Last Updated: Wed, 23 Jan 2013 01:19
Newcastle have completed the signing of Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa from French side Montpellier for an undisclosed fee.
The France international has penned a bumper five-and-a-half year deal with the Magpies and will give the squad a much needed boost as they battle to beat the drop.
The 23-year-old had been linked with a late move to Arsenal but is delighted to have signed for Newcastle and cannot wait to get started.
"It is an honour to be able to come to Newcastle United and have the chance to play in the Premier League," Yanga-Mbiwa told the club's official website.
"Newcastle are one of the biggest clubs in the league, and I'm going to try and give everything I have so that the team can do well. I have experienced a lot of positive things so far in my career and one of those is joining this club."
Meanwhile, Alan Pardew is also relieved to have landed a player of such quality and says he will play a crucial role as he attempts to drag Newcastle out of trouble.
"We needed to strengthen the team and bringing in Mapou will give the whole squad a boost," he revealed. "He is precisely the sort of player we've been looking to bring to the club.
"He is a good age for us but has plenty of experience at club and international level."
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