DWIGHT GAYLE has completed his move from Crystal Palace to Newcastle United.

The 25-year-old striker has signed a five-year deal for a fee in the region of £10m.

And winger Andros Townsend has gone the other way, completing a move to Selhurst Park for a fee of £13m. He has also signed a five-year deal.

"It's a dream come true to be at a big club like this," said Gayle. "Newcastle has a massive fan base and a great history so it is amazing to be here.

"I can't wait to get started, prove myself and score the goals that take us back up to the Premier League. It's where this club belongs."

Manager Rafael Benitez, who is also set to clinch the capture of Bournemouth's Scottish international Matt Ritchie within the next 24 hours, added: "Dwight is a great player, a proven goalscorer, and it is fantastic news that he has joined us.

"He has a big personality, a lot of energy and pace. He is a good finisher also, so he will add goals to our squad, for sure.

"He knows English football well, too, and that is important in the Championship.

"I am sure Dwight will want to prove he can make a big difference to our team and I am looking forward to working with him."

Townsend, who only joined Newcastle from Tottenham in January, said of his move: "I'm extremely delighted.

"I had chats with the manager and chairman before I signed and I'm pleased to a part of Crystal Palace's future. By the sounds of things it's going to be a bright one and I can't wait to get started.''

Newcastle's managing director Lee Charnley added: "Naturally we are very disappointed to lose Andros but we are bound by the terms of his contract.

"Given our situation in January it was a condition of him joining that we included a buy-out clause. However, I am sure now with Rafa as our manager we will not be in a position whereby we will need to agree to clauses of this nature in the future.

"Despite Andros' departure today, we believe with the signings we have made this week we have strengthened the squad.

"Rafa and I are working very well together and we are confident we are building a squad that will meet our objectives for the season ahead of us.

"Finally, I would like to say Andros was a great professional during his time with us, who gave his all for the Club, and I wish him all the very best."