Kluivert signs for Newcastle

Newcastle this afternoon confirmed the signing of Patrick Kluivert from Barcelona.

The 28-year-old Dutchman jetted into Tyneside this morning to complete the move.

As he arrived on Tyneside Kluivert said: "It's a great club with great players and I hope I can fit in.

"I hope in the year that's coming they are going to be in the Champions League. It's an honour to play for such a passionate audience."

Kluivert, speaking at a press conference televised by Sky Sports News, continued: "I'm very happy to sign the contract.

"I'm feeling 100% fit and I'm very happy to play this year alongside Alan Shearer - or the other two strikers."

Sir Bobby Robson revealed that Kluivert had signed a three-year deal with the club - and not a year-long loan arrangement.

The Magpies boss said: "Both clubs have amicably arranged a transfer to suit both clubs.

"He is a Newcastle United player now and hopefully he'll be a fantastic acquisition.

"We're delighted to sign him. I've known him for many years, he's a player of immense experience and of great stature.

"He's an international player of high repute, he's played for some top clubs in his career, he's a very good age - 28.

"We have a string of very young, talented players but we need a balance.

"We've lost an experienced player in Gary Speed - Patrick is not the same position as Gary but he's a player we need to balance the youngsters."

Robson believes the signing of Kluivert, who will wear the number 11 shirt for the Barclays Premiership club next season, gives him the best strike force in the top flight.

He added: "He's a dazzling player and with Alan, Shola Ameobi and Craig Bellamy I think we've got a strike force as good as anything in the Premiership."

Although the Magpies will not be competing in the Champions League next season, Robson added: "We've been among the big boys for the last three years and we want to continue that - and hopefully Patrick will keep us in there."

Robson believes Newcastle now boast a formidable strikeforce in Kluivert, Alan Shearer, Shola Ameobi and Craig Bellamy.

"The headache is when we don't have players to choose from. All we have now is a quartet of terrific players," he told Sky Sports.

"I think he will be one of the most significant signings for Newcastle United for many years, very similar to when the club decided to bring Alan Shearer home. It's a great catch."

As for whether he hopes to bring in any more new signings before the season kicks off, Robson added: "The recruitment policy is still ongoing but who they are and when they will be (signed)... we will let you know."