NEWCASTLE UNITED have confirmed the signing of striker Joselu from Stoke City for a fee which is understood to be around £5m.

Joselu has signed a three-year deal at St James' Park, and becomes the Magpies' sixth summer signing.

The Spaniard began his career at Celta Vigo and also spent time in Real Madrid's youth ranks before joining German side Hoffenheim in 2012.

He also represented Eintracht Frankfurth and Hannover in the Bundlesiga, and made the move to England when he joined Stoke City in the summer of 2015.

He scored four goals in 27 appearances for the Potters, and spent last season on loan at Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna.

"I feel very happy because I have signed for a very big club," said Joselu. "I’m very happy to be part of this club, and so excited.

"I’m looking forward to getting to know my team-mates, the city, the training ground, the stadium and all the supporters. I’m very happy to be here."

Rafael Benitez has been desperate to add to his attacking ranks since Daryl Murphy was allowed to make a £2m move to Nottingham Forest.

"We have known Joselu since his days at the Real Madrid academy, and we know that he has the potential to do well for us," said the Newcastle boss. "Obviously he has experience of English football and the Premier League and that was another thing we took into consideration

"We think if we can exploit his full potential he will be a good signing for us. He knows and accepts the challenge we've given him at Newcastle United and he's keen to come and fight for a position in the team."