NEWCASTLE UNITED have completed the £3m signing of Swiss international Fabian Schär on a permanent deal from Deportivo La Coruna.

The defender – who has signed an initial three-year contract – becomes the Magpies’ fourth acquisition of the summer, following the permanent arrivals of Martin Dúbravka and Ki Sung-yueng and the loan capture of Kenedy.

Schär played in three of his country’s four games at the recent World Cup in Russia, helping the Swiss to progress from Group E – along with Brazil – before missing their last-16 defeat to Sweden through suspension.

He made 25 appearances for Deportivo in La Liga last season, having moved to the Spanish outfit from 1899 Hoffenheim a year ago.

Schar said: “I’m really happy to be here. The club is a really big club for me. It has a big name, and it is a brilliant chance for me.

“I’m not like a typical defender. I, of course, defend, but I’m quite good with the ball – I like to play, I want to build up the game from behind, and I think that is a strength of mine. I have also scored some headers – that could also be a strength and hopefully I can use it here.

“I hope to start training with the team soon, and I’m looking forward to everything that’s coming. At the moment, I just want to get started.”