“I am very happy to be a Newcastle player. 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.” - Romain Amalfitano.

On the face of it, Newcastle appear to have secured another coup from France with their latest shrewd transfer from across the Channel.

Romain Amalfitano arrives on a free transfer from Reims where his contract expires at the end of June and he should be in good spirits having helped his former club to promotion from Ligue 2.

The 22-year-old, whose brother Morgan plays for Marseille, can fill in all across midfield and will give Newcastle boss Alan Pardew more options, especially with a Europa League campaign coming up.

During each of his three seasons in professional football, Amalfitano has chipped in with three goals.

Video evidence of Romain Amalfitano can be seen here.