£10m striker for Newcastle

Tuesday, 17/01/2012

Newcastle have agreed a £10m deal for Sengal striker Papiss Cisse.

The 26-year-old has agreed a five and a half year deal, giving the Geordies a major coup – and links Cisse up with his international team mate Demba Ba.

Cisse takes over the legendary No.9 shirt at St. James' Park and having signed flew back to rejoin his international side at the African Cup of Nations.

Cisse said: "I love the Premier League and want to make my name like my mate Demba Ba is doing with Newcastle United at the moment.

"I am aware of the huge importance of the number nine shirt, and when I spoke with the manager he made it very clear how important this shirt is. I will treat it with the respect and I hope to do my very best in this shirt."

Boss Alan Pardew said: "Ever since Andy Carroll left, Papiss was my first choice. He is a finisher with an already-established CV in the Bundesliga, where we have monitored him for the best part of two years."

The 6ft tall striker has hit 37 goals in just 65 games for German side Freiburg and seven in just 12 games for his country.

The Magpies are also being linked with Cesena defender Yohan Benalouane.

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