Newcastle complete signing of Seydou Doumbia on loan from Roma

By Lyall Thomas

Image: Seydou Doumbia is now a Newcastle United player until the end of the season

Newcastle have announced the signing of Roma striker Seydou Doumbia on loan for the rest of the season.

Sky sources reported on Sunday that the 28-year-old Ivory Coast international was to undergo a medical after a deal was agreed between the clubs.

The Magpies have been keen to bolster their strike force in the current window, and they had a £21m bid for the West Brom striker Saido Berahino turned down on Sunday.

The club are also interested in Swansea's Bafetimbi Gomis but Swansea have indicated they have no intention of selling the 30-year-old striker this month.

Newcastle have struggled to score goals this season and their total of 25 from 23 games is the sixth-worst in the Premier League.

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Georginio Wijnaldum has scored nine league goals from midfield but strikers Aleksandar Mitrovic and Papiss Cisse - who is sidelined with a groin injury - have managed just four and two respectively.

Doumbia, however, did not settle in Italy and has spent the last few months back on loan at CSKA Moscow, where he has scored five goals in 13 league games, while also netting three times in the Champions League.

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Doumbia said: "I'm delighted to be a Newcastle United player. I've already started to prepare. I've arrived and I'm ready to go.

"It has always been a dream to play in the Premier League and now that dream has come true, so I'm absolutely delighted. I am looking forward to helping the club get some wins and climb the table."

Head coach Steve McClaren said: "It is no secret that we have been looking to add to our options in the striking area. We have been searching for a forward and were delighted when the opportunity arose to take Seydou on loan.

"He is a natural goalscorer, someone who has scored goals in the Champions League and has played at the highest level. We believe he can make a mark in this team."

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