Newcastle United sign Henri Saivet from Bordeaux

Newcastle United have completed the signing of Henri Saivet from Bordeaux on a five-and-a-half-year contract.

Speculation linking the 25-year-old with a move to the Magpies had grown in recent days and the Premier League outfit have now officially purchased the Senegal international.

Saivet, who scored against Liverpool in the Europa League earlier this season, is believed to have cost Newcastle in the region of £4m.

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

"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 teammates and help the team climb the table."

Newcastle boss Steve McClaren said: "Henri is someone the club have been watching for a while, and he has developed into an excellent player at Bordeaux. 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."

The former French youth international joined Bordeaux in 2002 and has made more than 130 league appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit.