NEWCASTLE UNITED have completed the signing of Dutch international striker Luuk de Jong.

The 23-year-old has moved from Borussia Monchengladbach on a season-long loan, with a view to an £8m permanent transfer in the summer.

De Jong has been handed the Magpies’ number 18 shirt, and is eligible to make his debut in Saturday’s Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland.

Having begun his career with Dutch side De Graafschap, the striker enjoyed a prolific three-year spell with FC Twente.

He signed for Monchengladbach in July 2012, and was part of the Holland squad which competed in the European Championships that summer.

However, he has barely featured for Monchengladbach this season, having dropped to fifth choice in the club's list of attackers.

"Newcastle is a great club and I have a good feeling about it," said de Jong. "I am very impressed with the stadium and training ground and have been made to feel very welcome by everyone I have met.

"It has been a tough season for me so far but I am here to play games and want to be important for the team, and successful with goals and assists. I am really looking forward to playing for Newcastle."