Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes loaning Giuseppe Rossi to Newcastle until the end of the year will help improve the young striker.
The 19-year-old will compete with Obafemi Martins and Shola Ameobi for a place in Glenn Roeder's starting line-up following Michael Owen's long-term knee injury suffered at the World Cup.
The Italy Under-21 international, who is not allowed to play against his parent club, was tipped to feature in some capacity for United this season following impressive performances last term, and Ruud van Nistelrooy's move to Real Madrid.
However, United boss Ferguson has agreed to let American-born Rossi play at St James' Park in a deal which will run out on the first day of next year, with Louis Saha, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Wayne Rooney his attacking options at the moment.
"It was a big decision for us especially as we don't have the choice of strikers," Ferguson told the club's official website www.manutd.com.
"But this is something that Giuseppe wanted as he needs regular first-team football. When he returns, he will be a more experienced player who will be able to offer us much more."
Rossi, whose mentor at Old Trafford was Van Nistelrooy, scored at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland last season before netting against Barnet and Burton in cup competitions.
