Newcastle - English Premier League side Newcastle United on Friday said they had completed the signing of Lille and France defender Mathieu Debuchy for an undisclosed fee.

The 27-year-old, who has played more than 230 times for the Ligue 1 side during a 10-year spell, including in their league and cup-winning double year in the 2010-2011 season, has signed a five-and-a-half year contract at St James' Park.

"It is great to become a Newcastle United player," Debuchy was quoted as saying on the Newcastle website nufc.com.

"After many great years at Lille I felt I was ready for a new challenge and cannot wait to play for such a big club in the best league in the world.

"I hope I can bring something fresh to the team and help us get up to the highest possible position in the Premier League this season. I will give everything for this club."

The Magpies' manager Alan Pardew said they were "absolutely delighted" to have signed Debuchy, who will join his former team-mate and international colleague Yohan Cabaye in northeast England.

"It's no secret we've been trailing him for some time now and to have reached this point fills me with great excitement and anticipation in respect of what he will be able to offer the team," Pardew added.

"At the same time it's a huge relief to actually have him with us now."

Debuchy arrives on Tyneside with Newcastle struggling in the league and beset by injuries, leaving them in 15th position and just two points above the three relegation spots.

Over the busy Christmas and New Year period, Newcastle were thumped 7-3 by Arsenal and this week surrendered a lead to lose 2-1 at home to Everton.

Debuchy's arrival coincides with the departure of striker Demba Ba, who on Friday signed for European champions Chelsea on a three-and-a-half year contract.

Pardew told Newcastle's Evening Chronicle that further transfers, including a replacement for Ba, were "not imminent", adding: "I'd be surprised if I got a striker over the line before (the match with) Norwich (City on January 12) if I'm honest."

Newcastle, who face a tricky tie at second-tier Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup third round this weekend, have been reportedly linked to Marseille forward Loic Remy.