Stoke City have signed Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi on loan for the rest of the season.

The 26-year-old has been restricted to just eight appearances for the Magpies this season after falling behind Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka in the pecking order at St James' Park.

Ameobi, a former England Under-21 international, will formally link up with his new team-mates at the Britannia Stadium tomorrow and could make his debut at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.