NEWCASTLE SIGN MIDFIELDER

Newcastle have signed midfielder Sylvain Marveaux from French club Rennes in a major coup for the north-east club. The 25-year-old left-sided player had also been linked with Liverpool but will complete a move to St James’ Park for an undisclosed fee on 1 July.

Magpies manager Alan Pardew said: “It’s a coup to have signed Sylvain, who has had interest from a number of clubs.

“He may not be well known to many of our fans, but he is a player we have been keeping an eye on for some time.”