Newcastle net PSV Eindhoven captain Georgino Wijnaldum for £14.5m

Newcastle United, 11/4 with Coral for a top 10 finish, have announced the signing of PSV Eindhoven and Netherlands midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum on a five-year contract.

The 24-year-old becomes the Magpies’ second most expensive signing in history behind the £16.8m paid for Michael Owen a decade ago at a reported £14.5m fee.

“I’m delighted to be a Newcastle United player,” Wijnaldum told the club’s 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.”

IT'S OFFICIAL – @GWijnaldum signs for #NUFC! Full story: http://t.co/iDkcawZlBb. #WelcomeGini pic.twitter.com/NqbxKkmDlw

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 11, 2015

Magpies manager Steve 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.