Toon seal Abeid swoop
Lens youngster clinches five-year deal
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated: May 25, 2011 5:01pm
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Newcastle have sealed the capture of highly-rated Lens youngster Mehdi Abeid.
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."
