ENGLAND/ OFFICIAL, Bigirimana has joined Newcastle

Coventry City midfielder Gael Bigirimana has joined Newcastle United for an undisclosed fee.

The 18-year-old, who broke into City's first team last season, has joined the Premier League side on a five-year deal.

Tim Fisher, chief executive of Coventry City, said: "Gael is a great talent and we would, obviously, have liked him to stay here at Coventry.

"But when the Premier League comes calling - particularly a club the size of Newcastle United - it becomes increasingly difficult to stand in the player's way.

"We would have liked him to have developed further here at Coventry City but that wasn't to be so we have acted in the best interests of the club and have agreed a fee that we feel reflects his value.

"All of the money will be reinvested across the entire football side of the business - from youth development to the first team.

"Finally, we would like to wish Gael all the very best for the future."