Amalfitano joins Newcastle

Newcastle on Wednesday announced the arrival of their latest French recruit, midfielder Romain Amalfitano from Reims.

The 22-year-old joins a host of French signings made by manager Alan Pardew like Hatem Ben Arfa and Yohan Cabaye who played key roles in Newcastle's superb fifth-place finish last season.

Amalfitano, who was out of contract at Reims, said: "I have seen a bit of the city already and it is a change from France, but one I am really looking forward to.

"When a club like Newcastle wants you to play for them, it can only be a good thing."

Nice-born Amalfitano, whose older brother Morgan is at Marseille, can play either on the right side of midfield or through the middle.

He added: "I have taken the opportunity to play in the Premier League and cannot wait to get going."

The length of his contract was not revealed by the club.