Newcastle seal swoop for Dan Gosling

The Magpies have spent the summer trying to strengthen their squad for life back in the Barclays Premier League on a tight budget, and are delighted to have snapped up the 20-year-old on a free transfer after exploiting his complicated contractual situation at Goodison Park.

He follows Nottingham Forest utility player James Perch, 24, into the club with Hughton investing in players he believes will develop and increase in value over the course of their contracts.

Gosling has signed a four-year deal, although it will be several months before he is able to pull on the black and white shirt in earnest as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury.

However, he was delighted to have clinched his move to St James' Park. Gosling said: "It's a brilliant move for me. Now that the deal is done, I just can't wait to get started."

The deal was agreed in principle some time ago after the Magpies took advantage of Everton's failure to follow up a verbal contract offer in writing by the prescribed deadline.