Pardew hails Cabaye for Newcastle

Newcastle United have signed Lille midfielder Yohan Cabaye on a five-year deal for a reported fee of 4.3 million pounds.

The 25-year-old helped Lille to a double of Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France last season, but told his team-mates before their final game of the campaign that he was bound for the English Premier League.

“This is a fantastic move for me,” Cabaye said.

“I have enjoyed great times with Lille but the time is right now to test myself against the best and playing for Newcastle United in the Premier League does just that.”

“My first impressions of the club and the city are that it is a lovely place and the stadium is magnificent.”

Cabaye’s good form with Lille, where he made more than 250 appearances, scoring 39 goals, earned him a France debut against Norway in August.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said he was pleased that his first signing of the close season was a player with a reliable record at the highest level.

“We are delighted to have signed Yohan on a five-year contract,” Pardew said.

“He has a first class pedigree having proved himself at the top level in France, both for his club and the national team.”

“He will add great quality to our squad and I am really looking forward to working with him.”