STEPHEN IRELAND has moved to Newcastle United on loan until the end of the season from Aston Villa.

The 24-year-old has been in lengthy negotiations after the Magpies finally agreed a deal with the Villans.

It had been thought the midfielder's reputed £70,000-a-week wages would have caused a problem for Newcastle.

But, despite claims earlier in the day that the deal had broken down, Newcastle have announced the former Manchester City man's arrival.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew said: "Stephen has shown over the last few years that he's a real top player so we are really pleased to have got him until the end of the season.

"I think Stephen feels he can deliver more than he's shown at Villa so far, so he's got a point to prove and I believe we can reap the benefits."

Newcastle striker Andy Carroll, meanwhile, is on the verge of concluding a £35m-plus deal to Liverpool after agreeing personal terms.