NEWCASTLE UNITED have completed the signing of South American striker Facundo Ferreyra from Shakhtar Donetsk.

The 23-year-old Argentine has joined on a season-long loan, with an option to buy at the end of the campaign. He has joined up with Magpies' squad in Germany as they take part in this weekend's Schalke 04 Cup.

Ferreyra, formerly of Vélez Sarsfield, was the Argentine league's joint leading marksman in his one and only season with him, netting 17 goals in just 24 games before joining Shakhtar in July 2013.

Ferreyra said: "I am very pleased to sign for Newcastle United. I like the Premier League and when I knew that Newcastle were interested in me, it was a very easy decision to make. I spoke to my friend Fabricio Coloccini, and when he told me about the club, I didn't need to think twice."

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said: "Facundo is someone we know on a number of levels, including his friendship with Fabricio (Coloccini), and we think he could be a big success here at Newcastle.

"This is a player who has played at the top level and is highly-regarded in Argentina. He has tremendous potential and hopefully he can realise that here at Newcastle United."