Mathieu Debuchy: Newcastle sign France international

Newcastle have completed the signing of defender Mathieu Debuchy from Lille on a five-and-a-half-year contract.

The Magpies had been linked with the France right-back last summer, after good performances at Euro 2012.

The fee for Debuchy, who was at St James' Park for the 2-1 defeat against Everton on Wednesday, is believed to be in the region of £5m.

"I cannot wait to play for such a big club in the best league in the world," said the 27-year-old.

Debuchy becomes the third France player to join the club, along with friend and former Lille player Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa.

The full-back added: "I hope I can bring something fresh to the team and help us get up to the highest possible position in the Premier League this season."

"I will give everything for this club."

Magpies boss Alan Pardew said it was a "relief" to have finally secured the signing of Debuchy, who will wear the number 26 shirt.

"It's no secret we've been trailing him for some time now and to have reached this point fills me with great excitement and anticipation in respect of what he will be able to offer the team," said the Newcastle manager.

"At the same time it's a huge relief to actually have him with us now.

"He is an established top international player and it is a real coup for this club that we now have him at St James' Park.

"Mathieu will add real quality to our team, in terms of his ability, character and experience and I am sure he will quickly become a firm favourite among our fans too."

Current right-back Danny Simpson is injured with a broken toe, so Debuchy could take his place for the next league match against Norwich on 12 January.

The France full-back will not be available for Newcastle's FA Cup tie against Brighton on Saturday.