Newcastle signs midfielder Vurnon Anita from Ajax

Published Aug. 16, 2012 8:49 a.m. ET

foxsports

Newcastle has signed Dutch international midfielder Vurnon Anita from Ajax on a five-year deal.

The 23-year-old Anita has played three times for the Netherlands and will wear the No. 8 shirt for his new team.

Coach Alan Pardew tells the Newcastle website that ''he is an exceptionally talented footballer with great technical ability'' and that ''he has come through the Ajax youth system which is world renowned for bringing up players the right way.''

Pardew added that Vurnon ''is ready to play when I need him.''

Newcastle begins its Premier League campaign at home to Tottenham on Saturday, where Anita could make his debut.