Manchester City have completed the signing of Dutch international Nigel de Jong. The 24-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half year contract with the Eastlands club, after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical today.

It is thought De Jong will link up with his new team-mates for next Wednesday’s Premier League match against Newcastle, when he is expected to make his debut.

Although the deal has taken a couple of days to complete, Hamburg boss Martin Jol was resigned to De Jong’s exit on Monday. City are refusing to say how much they have paid for De Jong but it is believed to be around €19 million.

The player, who has 29 international caps, will bring some added steel to the City midfield, offering cover to the more flamboyant members of Mark Hughes’ squad.

Although he will not be eligible for the remainder of City’s European campaign, he should be a major figure in the club’s attempt to clamber into a higher Premier League position.

De Jong played against City in a pre-season friendly last summer and is a former team-mate of another recent recruit, Vincent Kompany, who he should play alongside in the Blues’ engine room.

De Jong represents City’s third signing of the transfer window, following on from Wayne Bridge and Craig Bellamy, who completed his move north from West Ham on Monday.

However, the Blues did miss out on their number one target when Kaka opted to snub the riches on offer at City and stay with AC Milan.

De Jong said of his move: “I feel very good and for me it is the next step in my own career after three years in Germany and I hope to be successful at Manchester City.

“The ideas and the planning behind this club are very hopeful and it is a new adventure so I am delighted to be here right now.”