Newcastle have agreed a deal to sign Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi on loan until January.
The 19-year-old, who is an Italian Under-21 international, is a highly-rated prospect at Old Trafford, and has a contract extending to 2010.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said:
“When he returns, he will be a more experienced player who will be able to offer us much more.”
Rossi will not be allowed to play against Manchester United.
But for the rest of his half-season at St James’ Park, he will compete with Obafemi Martins and Shola Amoebi for a place at Newcastle.
The American-born youngster, who scored four goals in 12 first-team games for Manchester United last season, would then be expected to return to Old Trafford for the second half of the season.
A statement on the Newcastle website confirmed:
“Newcastle have reached an agreement with Manchester United to take striker Giuseppe Rossi on loan. As a condition of all loan deals between Premiership clubs, however, he will be prevented from playing for the Magpies in any meetings with the Red Devils.”
And Ferguson, who signed Rossi from Italian side Parma, told MUTV:
“It was a big decision for us especially as we don’t have the choice of strikers. But this is something that Giuseppe wanted as he needs regular first-team football.”