Newcastle have confirmed the signing of Argentinian international Christian Bassedas.

They have signed him for �3.5m from Argentinian side Velez Sarsfield.

The midfielder has put pen to paper on the deal after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.

Boss Bobby Robson has been trailing the 26-year-old for months, and coach Mick Wadsworth visited Argentina recently to meet the player.

Talks continued in Tobago last week when a four-man delegation met with United chairman Freddie Shepherd and chief executive David Stonehouse.

Permit problem solved

Bassedas and Velez Sarsfield president Eduardo Mousseaud were joined on Tyneside by vice-president Juan Carlos Gonzalez to conclude the final part of the transfer.

Newcastle have revealed another piece of good news - the player has an Italian grandparent.

The Magpies feared work permit problems because the player has lost his place in Argentina's international side.

Robson is also interested in bargain buys to be had from the Nationwide League.

He said: "People always talk about looking abroad for talent all the time.

"We have been, but remember there's always talent to be had in the lower leagues of English football, there always has been.

"Don't ever under-estimate whatever is underneath you. We have a big football industry here, four leagues where clubs are always producing talent, so we should never forget about the first, second and third divisions."