Newcastle manager Bobby Robson has hailed Jonathan Woodgate move to St James's Park as "ideal" for his club and hopes to persuade him to sign a five-year deal.
The £9 million sterling transfer from cash-strapped Leeds United, expected to be completed subject to a successful medical today, adds to a wealth of young talent at the second-placed league club, Robson said.
"Jonathan is the right age (23) and should have a long and successful future here," Robson said. "He is ideal. We know his quality, he is English and that is important to help get the right mix here with all our foreign players.
"He has a thigh injury at the moment which could keep him out for up to three weeks but that doesn't matter too much because he's here for the long term, we hope. I aim to sign him on a five-year contract or four-and-a-half years".
Robson, whose team are still in the Champions League and five points behind leaders Arsenal in the league, said it was "highly improbable" that Newcastle could overhaul Arsene Wenger's team for the Championship despite Woodgate's signing.
He also criticised the introduction of the transfer window this season that allows signings and loan deals to be made for only two periods during the year.
"It is unnecessary," Robson said. "This is a vibrant industry and we need to buy and sell. Why reduce that? The market place needs to be open every day".