Newcastle United have announced the capture of defender Mathieu Debuchy on a five-and-a-half-year contract.
The Magpies have been closing in on the French right-back in recent weeks and a deal looked close to completion after he attended St James' Park to watch Newcastle lose 2-1 to Everton.
"It is great to become a Newcastle United player," Debuchy told the club's official website. "After many great years at Lille I felt I was ready for a new challenge, and cannot wait to play for such a big club in the best league in the world.
"I hope I can bring something fresh to the team and help us get up to the highest possible position in the Premier League this season. I will give everything for this club."
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew added: "We are absolutely delighted to have finally secured the signature of Mathieu. It's no secret we've been trailing him for some time now and to have reached this point fills me with great excitement and anticipation in respect of what he will be able to offer the team."
The Frenchman has signed for an undisclosed fee.
Danielle Joynson
