Alan Smith has joined Newcastle United on a five year deal.

The England international moves to St James’ Park from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee, which is said to be in the region of £6milliom.

Middlesbrough were also keen on Smith, but he opted to move to the bigger club in Newcastle in order to gain regular first-team football.

Smith found himself unable to hold down a regular first-team place at Old Trafford since his move from Leeds United in 2004, and Sir Alex Ferguson hinted last month that he would consider allowing the 26-year-old to leave the Premiership champions.