Newcastle sign FC Twente midfielder Cheik Tiote

Cheik Tiote in World Cup action

Newcastle have completed the signing of Ivory Coast international Cheik Tiote from Dutch champions FC Twente.

The 24-year-old defensive midfielder is set to be on international duty next week but should be available for the visit of Blackpool on 14 September.

Tiote, who played in the World Cup, said: "This is a really proud moment for me and I can't wait to pull on the black and white shirt.

"I'll do my best to help Newcastle United have a successful season."

Tiote added: "I'm really looking forward to testing myself against the best that the Premier League has to offer, and delighted also that I will be up against friends and colleagues from my home country who are already playing in England."

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He is Newcastle's fourth summer signing, following the arrivals of James Perch, Dan Gosling and Sol Campbell, and Hughton is hoping to add one or two more players before the transfer window closes.

Newcastle boss Chris Hughton said: "It's given us a lift. He's a defensive midfielder and we feel it's such an important area in this division.

"Cheik is a terrific signing for us and I am sure he will prove to be an excellent addition to the squad.

"He has a first-class pedigree and I think his game is well suited to the Premier League.

"He did well with the Ivory Coast in the World Cup and is just reaching an age where his best years are now ahead of him."

Tiote, who was also linked with Everton and West Brom, began his professional career with Anderlecht in 2005 and had a loan spell with Roda in the Netherlands, before moving to Twente in the summer of 2008.

The Dutch side won the league for the first time in their history last season, under the guidance of former England manager Steve McClaren.