Toon seal Abeid swoop

The 18-year-old has agreed a five-year contract at St James' Park after being impressed by the North East club.

Everton, Atletico Madrid, Rennes and Le Mans were also keen on the holding midfielder - but he will now be moving to Tyneside this summer.

"After eight fantastic years at Lens, I have stagnated. I needed a change of air. I am not afraid to leave for abroad," he told L'Equipe.

"I have had contact dating back some time and I visited the facilities there last week. I even trained with the reserve team.

"The leaders of the club told me about their plans and that they will rely on me for next season.

"For my part, I intend to give everything to develop in the Premier League.

"I already discussed things with Hatem Ben Arfa and Cheick Tiote and they encouraged me and welcomed my signature."