Newcastle boss Alan Pardew finally got his hands on a new left-back last night when Davide Santon completed his move from Inter to Newcastle United.

The 20-year-old Italian put pen to paper on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee, understood to be around £5 million, after flying into Tyneside for a medical.

Santon effectively replaces Spaniard Jose Enrique, whose departure for Liverpool earlier this month left Pardew with a massive hole to plug, and will wear his number three shirt.

Pardew said: “We are delighted to bring Davide to Newcastle. He is a quality left-back and an established international who also gives us flexibility in defence.

“Davide is a great signing for us and I am sure he will adapt to the Premier League very quickly.”

Santon, who can play in both full-back positions, made 40 appearances for Inter after emerging from the ranks, and is relishing the chance to test himself in England.

He said: “I am really pleased to sign for Newcastle. The chance to play in the Premier League and in front of 50,000 fans at St James’ Park was too good to turn down.”