Wijnaldum joins Newcastle

Newcastle United have completed the signing of highly-rated midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum from PSV Eindhoven, according to BBC Sport.

The Holland international, 24, joins Newcastle on a five-year deal, becoming the club’s first signing under new boss Steve McClaren.

The deal, worth a reported £14.5 million, is the third largest transfer fee in club history, after Alan Shearer and Michael Owen.

Wijnaldum, who has won 19 caps for his country, bagged 14 goals and three assists in 32 league appearances for the Dutch Eredivisie champions last season.

“I’m delighted to be a Newcastle United player,” Wijnaldum told the Magpies’ official website.

“I felt the time was right for me to move and the Club have shown they really want me, so I’m very happy to be here.

“There’s a few players here who are from Holland – I know them well and they will help me feel at home in Newcastle.

“I know the Club has a great stadium with great fans. I want to play here as soon as possible – I want to feel the atmosphere and hear the crowd. I cannot wait to get started.”

McClaren added: “This signing is a real statement for the Club. It is a big transfer for a very good player and I am delighted to have Gini here at the Club.

“He has lots of energy and a great tempo to his game. He is very skillful but is also capable of playing box-to-box, and – importantly – he can score goals.

“He is at the right age and the right fit for Newcastle. He is a leader as well and you will see that. He is someone who always wants the ball, can deal with it, and we need that kind of character in the team.”

Newcastle are best-priced at 7/2 to finish in the top-10 in the Premier League table in 2015/16.

United agree Schweinsteiger deal

Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has revealed the German champions and Manchester United have reach an agreement for the transfer of Germany international midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.

“My colleagues at Manchester United have been in touch and we have reached an agreement over the transfer,” said.

“Bastian wants to do something new at the end of his career and he asked that we meet his wishes.

“It is regrettable because Bastian meant a great deal to the club and achieved great things.”

Schweinsteiger, 30, tallied five goals and four assists in 20 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern last term, and will become Louis van Gaal’s second summer recruit following the signing of Memphis Depay from PSV Eindhoven.