Routledge scored six goals in 30 games for QPR this season

Newcastle United have signed QPR winger Wayne Routledge on a three-and-a-half year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old had been a target for United's local rivals Middlesbrough, who made a bid for him last week.

Routledge joined QPR a year ago from Aston Villa for £600,000 and made 49 appearances, scoring seven times.

He began his career with Crystal Palace and has played in the Premier League for the Selhurst Park club, Tottenham, Portsmouth, Fulham and Villa.

The former England under-21 wideman first came to prominence with Palace in 2001-02, scoring on his first start and making his debut at the age of 17.

Having enjoyed five years with the Eagles, including one in the top flight under Ian Dowie's management, Routledge was signed by Tottenham for an undisclosed fee.

However his career at White Hart Lane was blighted by injury, and he made just five appearances in two and a half years, although loan spells with Portsmouth and Fulham proved reasonably successful, and in January 2008 he was picked up by Aston Villa for £1.25m.

Routledge struggled to impose himself on the team and following a loan spell at Cardiff City, joined the R's for £600,000 and had been a regular fixture in the side this season.

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