Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce expects new signing Habib Beye to make a big impact on Tyneside.

He told the Evening Chronicle: "I've been chasing Beye - who was captain of Marseille - for a long, long time, and finally I've got him.

"He's just a pure athlete. There's lot of ability and desire and determination as a human being - not just as a footballer - to be successful.

"Marseille's a massive football club. He's been captain and played in the Champions League and UEFA Cup for a long time.

"He wanted to have one big move to the Premiership to finish his career off and I'm really lucky to get him. I'm sure Newcastle fans will see that in time."