Newcastle have sealed Lee Bowyer's move to Tyneside.
The 26-year-old midfielder has agreed terms on a four-year deal after manager Sir Bobby Robson and chairman Freddy Shepherd flew south to meet him face-to-face after days of speculation.
Bowyer, who is now away on holiday, will undergo a medical on his return and then complete the formalities of the move.
Bowyer's arrival on a £30,000-a-week contract has been the topic of much discussion among fans since it emerged that United were leading the race for his signature.
His controversial past has led to some criticism, but both Robson and Shepherd are confident that they have done good business.
Indeed, they moved swiftly to head off a potential ambush when, after they thought they had tied up the deal, it became clear that there were other suitors.
Arsenal and Chelsea were linked with the former Leeds player on Thursday, as were Aston Villa, now being managed by the man who presided at Elland Road when he was at the height of his powers, David O'Leary.
However, as Villa chairman Doug Ellis warned O'Leary that he did not have the financial back-up to consider a move for the player, Robson and Shepherd had already swung into action to ensure they were not gazumped.
Bowyer will miss a large part of United's Champions League campaign as a result of the six-match ban he landed for stamping on Malaga midfielder Gerardo last season.