Newcastle announce Amalfitano capture

Newcastle United announced on Wednesday the signing of midfielder Romain Amalfitano from Reims.

Amalfitano will officially join the club on July 1, a day after his contract at Reims expires on June 30. He becomes Newcastle's first signing of the summer.

The 22-year-old Frenchman is a versatile midfielder, who will expand Alan Pardew's options in the centre of the pitch. Equally comfortable on either the right flank or in a central role, he will provide competition for places alongside the likes of Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa.

Amalfitano joined Reims in 2010, helping them achieve promotion to Ligue 1 last season.

"I am very happy to be a Newcastle player," he commented on Newcastle's official website. "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. I have taken the opportunity to play in the Premier League and cannot wait to get going."

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