TITUS BRAMBLE has completed his protracted move to Newcastle United.

The England Under-21 defender signed a five-year deal at St James' Park yesterday morning to rubber-stamp his £5m-plus switch from Ipswich Town.

Bramble agreed personal terms and underwent a medical a fortnight ago, but United held back until they were satisfied the 6ft 2in centre-back had made a full recovery from a summer heel operation.

United reported yesterday that Bramble, who will celebrate his 21st birthday a week tomorrow during the Magpies' pre-season tour of Holland, is "rapidly regaining full fitness and will soon be in training with his new teammates''.

As his home-town club Ipswich crashed out of the Premiership last season, Bramble was struggling against injury and managed only 22 appearances.

Bramble, who is reunited on Tyneside with close friend and former Ipswich teammate Kieron Dyer, yesterday admitted: "While I am sad to be leaving Ipswich, I am thrilled to be joining such a massive club as Newcastle United.

"There are some terrific players here, a tremendous manager and I cannot wait for the new season to start."

United manager Sir Bobby Robson this week labelled Bramble a "Colossus'', and yesterday added: "I am delighted that Titus will be part of our squad next season.

"He is a powerfully-built lad who has the potential to achieve great things in the game."

Newcastle had been trailing Bramble for some time. An initial £4.2m bid last month was turned down, but United quickly lodged an improved offer understood to be linked to appearances and any full international honours.

Bramble will wear the No 19 shirt, which was vacant last season.

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