Newcastle United can today confirm the signing of midfielder Vurnon Anita from Ajax

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Newcastle United can today confirm the signing of Vurnon Anita from Ajax.

The 23-year-old Dutch international midfielder, who can also play as a full-back, has put pen to paper on a five-year-deal at the Sports Direct Arena, and will wear the number eight shirt.

Anita joined the renowned Ajax youth set-up in 1999 and progressed through the ranks at the Amsterdam Arena before making his debut in March 2006.

His European debut arrived the following season and Anita went on to establish himself as a key member of Ajax's squad, as they won back-to-back Eredivisie titles in 2010/11 and 2011/12.

Born on the island of CuraÃ§ao, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Caribbean Sea, Anita has been capped three times for Holland since his international bow in May 2010.

"We are delighted to secure the services of Vurnon," said United manager Alan Pardew.

"He is an exceptionally talented footballer with great technical ability, which is exactly what I'm looking at in a player. And, at 23-years-old, we hope his best years are at Newcastle.

"He has come through the Ajax youth system which is world renowned for bringing up players the right way, and I am sure he will fit seamlessly into the squad of players we have here.

"Vurnon has done his pre-season, and indeed already played one competitive game, so he's up to speed and ready to play when I need him."