Mehdi Abeid (r): Newcastle midfielder has joined Panathinaikos on loan

The 20-year-old moved to St James' Park from Lens in the summer of 2011 but has made only a handful of cup appearances for the Magpies and is yet to feature in the Premier League.

He spent the second half of last season on loan with Scottish Premier League side St Johnstone, making nine starts and four further substitute appearances.

Manager Alan Pardew has allowed the French-born Algerian to head out on loan for the coming campaign to give him greater exposure to first-team football.

A statement from the Greek club read: "Panathinaikos announces the agreement with Newcastle United for the one year loan of Algerian international Mehdi Abeid."