 Onyewu was reportedly a target for Chelsea |
Newcastle have signed United States international defender Oguchi Onyewu on loan from Belgian side Standard Liege until the end of the season. The 24-year-old underwent a medical at St James' Park on Monday.
"We have secured Oguchi Onyewu. He comes across as an impressive person - he is certainly physically impressive," said Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder.
"West Brom were keen to sign him last year, but Oguchi was looking to step higher if he could."
The Magpies have negotiated an option to make the transfer permanent in the summer.
He had been attracting interest from clubs across Europe, reportedly including Chelsea.
The former Metz centre-half appeared in all three of the USA's matches at the 2006 World Cup and was voted the US Soccer Athlete of that year.
606 DEBATE: Comment on Newcastle's signings
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Interview: Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder
