Newcastle United have completed the signing of Italian international defender Davide Santon from Inter Milan.
The 20-year-old full-back has signed a five-year-deal at St. James' Park for an undisclosed fee, and will wear the number three shirt.
Santon came up through the ranks at the San Siro, making his debut in January 2009 in the Coppa Italia quarter-final against Roma.
He made 40 appearances for Inter, helping the Nerazzuri to the Serie A title in 2008/09 and 2009/10, as well as the Champions League in 2009/10.
The youngster also enjoyed a loan spell at AC Cesena during the second half of last season.
Santon, who is predominantly a left-back but can play on either side of the defence, has seven caps for Italy and made his national bow in June 2009 against Northern Ireland.
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said: "We are delighted to bring to Davide to Newcastle.
"He is a quality left-back and an established international who also gives us flexibility in defence.
"Davide is a young lad and a great signing for us and I am sure he will adapt to the Premier League very quickly."
Santon said: "I am really pleased to sign for Newcastle. The chance to play in the Premier League and in front of 50,000 fans at St. James' Park was too good to turn down.
"This is an ambitious club who want to move forward and I want to help them achieve that."
Managing director Derek Llambias said: "The signing of Davide Santon is a real coup for this Club.
"It confirms our commitment to bringing quality players whose best years are ahead of them to St. James' Park."
http://www.nufc.co.uk/articles/20110830/newcastle-sign-davide-santon-_2281670_2436667
