Newcastle bolster squad

English Premiership title-chasers Newcastle United FC confirmed the signing of Ipswich Town FC midfielder Darren Ambrose late on Monday evening.

Arrangements completed
Newcastle, who are in third place in the Premiership five points behind leaders Arsenal FC, are believed to have paid a fee of around €1.47m for Ambrose. The Suffolk first division club reluctantly accepted the bid because they are in administration. A Newcastle club spokesman said: "Arrangements for the transfer of Darren Ambrose from Ipswich Town Football Club Company Ltd (in administration) to Newcastle United were concluded this evening."

'In a whirl'
However the England Under-21 international could find himself at Portman Road for the rest of the season because he may be loaned back to Ipswich. The 19-year-old was on Tyneside yesterday to complete the formalities of his move after first having talks on Saturday. Ambrose said: "I am excited about moving to Newcastle United - but I am finding it all a bit scary. Not only that, but it's all a bit confusing. My mind is in a whirl about it all."

Not keen on reserve role
With Ipswich in administration Newcastle have been able to secure his signature even though the transfer window closed in January. "The last thing I want is to be sitting in the Newcastle reserves for the rest of the season," Ambrose said. "But at the same time it would be strange if I had to go back to play on loan for Ipswich and help them to get back into the Premiership."

Goal tally
Ambrose, who has won one England Under-21 cap, has made 37 appearances for Ipswich this season and scored eleven goals. He has hit the target eight times in 29 first division appearances, as well as scoring once in four UEFA Cup ties and once each in the FA and League Cups.