Newcastle United sign Monaco defender Antonio Barreca

Newcastle United have completed the signing of Monaco defender Antonio Barreca on loan for the rest of the season.

The 23-year-old left-back becomes the Magpies' first addition of the January transfer window in a deal that is thought to include a £1m loan fee with an option to buy for £9m at the end of the season.

The Italian joined Monaco last summer but has featured just seven times in a poor season for the principality club, who sit in deep relegation trouble near the bottom of Ligue 1.

"The left-back/left-wing-back position is one we've been looking to strengthen for a while and he's an Italy under-21 international who we know has quality, good delivery and is good going forward," Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez told the club's website.

"He has the attributes, he has the quality and he has the characteristics that we look for. Now we must see how quickly he can adapt, but we will try to help him and if he can give us more competition in this area, and more quality in the final third with his deliveries, the only thing I can see is a positive."

Barreca added: "I am very happy to be here. I have accepted this challenge with a great deal of enthusiasm and I can't wait to start.

"I know that Newcastle is a big and historic club. I know that the people here really love football and that the fans are really behind the team. I think that the Premier League is the best league, so for me this is further motivation to do well."

Newcastle are expected to follow up the loan signing of Barreca today with the club-record, £21m capture of Paraguayan midfielder Miguel Almiron.