NEWCASTLE United have completed the signing of Oguchi Onyewu from Standard Liege and the American centre-half will join the Magpies on loan until the end of the season with a view to a permanent deal.

The 24-year-old was on Tyneside on Monday to undergo a medical before returning to Belgium to complete the formalities of his switch.

Terms have now been agreed between the two clubs and a work permit secured. Onyewu will wear the number 15 shirt, previously worn this season by another loan signing, Giuseppe Rossi.

OGUCHI ONYEWU FACTFILE

Born in Washington DC in May 1982, Onyewu moved to Europe in 2002 to sign for FC Metz of France.

In 2003, he was loaned to La Louviere of Belgium and then to Standard Liege a year later, making that move a permanent one for the 2004/05 season.

Onyewu made his international debut for the USA against Panama on October 13, 2004 and he represented his country at the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany.

He has previously been linked with a move to Real Madrid, Inter Milan plus Premiership outfits Chelsea, Manchester United, Middlesbrough and Fulham.

Most recently he has been linked with a move to Marseille.

In 2006 he was voted the US Soccer Athlete of the Year, the first defender to win the award since Alexi Lalas in 1995.

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