Soccer:Newcastle have completed the signing of Ajax midfielder Vurnon Anita for an undisclosed fee. The 23-year-old Holland international has signed a five-year deal.

Magpies’ manager Alan Pardew admitted: “We are delighted to secure the services of Vurnon.” Anita, who can also play as a fullback, joined the Ajax youth academy in 1999 and made his first team debut in 2006.

Born on the island of Curacao, he had established himself as a key player at the Amsterdam Arena, winning back-to-back Eredivisie titles in 2011 and 2012. Pardew added: “He is an exceptionally talented footballer with great technical ability, which is exactly what I’m looking at in a player.

“And, at 23 years old, we hope his best years are at Newcastle. He has come through the Ajax youth system which is world renowned for bringing up players the right way, and I am sure he will fit seamlessly into the squad of players we have here.

“Vurnon has done his pre-season, and indeed already played one competitive game, so he’s up to speed and ready to play when I need him.”