Soccer:Newcastle have signed France international Yohan Cabaye on a five-year deal. Cabaye had been closely linked with the Magpies since helping Lille win the French league and cup double last season.

The highly-rated 25-year-old has also been capped by France, making his international debut against Norway in August last year.

Cabaye flew in to Newcastle the day after helping France to a 1-0 win over Poland in Gdansk.

That was his fourth cap of a blossoming career for Les Bleus and while he was also an integral part as Lille won Ligue 1 for the first time in over 50 years he believes a move to Newcastle is a step up in his career.

"This is a fantastic move for me," he told Newcastle's website. "I have enjoyed great times with Lille but the time is right now to test myself against the best and playing for Newcastle United in the Premier League does just that.

"My first impressions of the club and the city are that it is a lovely place and the stadium is magnificent. Now that I have signed I am looking forward to meeting the rest of the team, working with (manager) Alan Pardew and his staff, but most of all playing for Newcastle United and their supporters."

Pardew was pleased to tie the midfielder down to a long-term deal as he looks to build upon his side's 12th-placed finish on their return to the top-flight last term.

"We are delighted to have signed Yohan on a five-year contract," the former West Ham boss said. "He has a first-class pedigree having proved himself at the top level in France, both for his club and the national team. He will add great quality to our squad and I am really looking forward to working with him."