Last updated on .From the section Football

Marveaux had also attracted interest from Liverpool

Newcastle have signed midfielder Sylvain Marveaux from French club Rennes on a five-year deal.

The 25-year-old left-sided player had also been linked with Liverpool but will complete a move to St James' Park on a free transfer on 1 July.

Magpies manager Alan Pardew said: "It's a coup to have signed Sylvain, who has had interest from a number of clubs.

"He may not be well known to many of our fans, but he is a player we have been keeping an eye on for some time."

Marveaux is the third Frenchman recruited by Newcastle recently after Hatem Ben Arfa and Yohan Cabaye.

And confirmation of his capture comes a day after the Magpies signed Senegal international striker Demba Ba.

Marveaux will help to offset the loss of Newcastle skipper Kevin Nolan, who joined West Ham on Thursday.