Newcastle United have won the battle for Rennes midfielder Sylvain Marveaux.

The 25-year-old will formally complete a free transfer to St James' Park on 1 July after signing a five-year deal.

The former France U-21 international has been out of action since November with a groin injury suffered during a 2-1 Ligue 1 victory over Brest.

However, the Magpies are confident that will not be an issue, and have snapped up their third close-season signing.

He is a real talent and a player we have been keeping an eye on for some time.
Alan Pardew on Sylvain Marveaux

Manager Alan Pardew said: "It's a great coup to have signed Sylvain, who has received interest from a number of other clubs.

"He may not be well known to many of our fans, but he is a real talent and a player we have been keeping an eye on for some time. It's been a good couple of days for us on the transfer front."

Marveaux is a left-sided midfielder and the third Frenchman recruited to Newcastle in the last year or so, after Hatem Ben Arfa and recent signing Yohan Cabaye.

Confirmation of his capture comes just a day after the Magpies unveiled Senegal striker Demba Ba as their second summer arrival, following in Cabaye's wake.