Newcastle announce deal for Ajax's Anita

Newcastle United FC have signed Vurnon Anita from AFC Ajax on a five-year contract.

The Premier League club have not disclosed how much they have paid for the three-times capped Dutch international, who can play in midfield and at full-back, although it is reported to be around €8.5m. The 23-year-old has been capped three times by the Oranje.

Anita appeared in Ajax's Eredivisie opener against AZ Alkmaar on Sunday, the last of his 109 league outings for the Dutch champions following his debut in March 2006.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, whose side visit Atromitos FC next Thursday in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League play-off tie, told the club website: "He is an exceptionally talented footballer with great technical ability and, at 23-years-old, we hope his best years are at Newcastle.

"He has come through the Ajax youth system, which is renowned for bringing up players the right way, and I'm sure he will fit seamlessly into the squad of players we have here."

The Magpies, fifth-place finishers in the English top flight last season, begin their domestic campaign on Saturday at home to Tottenham Hotspur FC.