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.
Source: AFP