NEWCASTLE United have smashed their transfer record for the second time in six months to bring Brazilian striker Joelinton to St James’ Park.

The Hoffenheim star has signed a six-year contract on Tyneside after the two clubs agreed a deal last week – believed to be worth around the £35m mark with the potential to rise - for him to move to the Premier League.

Joelinton becomes the Magpies’ first signing of the summer and first since Bruce was appointed head coach. He is a player that Rafa Benitez is said to have been reluctant to pay that figure for.

The 22-year-old frontman will wear the No 9 and could make his first appearance for Newcastle in Saturday’s pre-season friendly at Preston North End.

“I’m really happy to be here,” said Joelinton. “I know it’s a large investment that the club has made in me, and that comes with a huge responsibility. I’m highly motivated and hope to give back on the pitch.”

Newcastle boss Bruce, fresh from returning from his Asia Trophy bow and to be officially paraded at a press conference with the record buy tomorrow, said: “The kid’s got an exciting time ahead of him. He’s a smashing young player and we’re obviously delighted to get him. It’s been going on for a little bit now, so to get him is great for everybody.

“He’s got everything that a modern-day player wants. He’s big, strong and athletic, and of course he’s got age on his side too which is vitally important. He’s learned the history and wanted it (the number nine shirt), and that’s always a big shirt to fill. But in his eyes, it was ‘bring it on – it’s what I’m here for’.

“He’s risen to that challenge, and I’m sure he will be a big, big favourite of the supporters. He’s got an incredible work-rate about him, he’s got a really good humility about him, and all the attributes a top striker needs.”

Joelinton started playing for Sport Recife in Brazil and made his debut at 16. He moved to the Bundesliga in June 2015.

A year after joining Hoffenheim, he joined Rapid Wien on loan for two seasons, where he went on to score 21 goals in 79 appearances during a productive spell in the Austrian capital.

On his return to the PreZero Arena, Joelinton established himself in the German side’s attack, where his 11 goals in 35 games – including one in the Champions League, against Lyon – helped Hoffenheim secure ninth-place last term.

Newcastle have paid more than the £21m paid out for Miguel Almiron in January when he moved from Atlanta United. That was the first time Newcastle had broken the club's transfer record in more than a decade.