Geordie duo Ant & Dec have sent a message of support to Newcastle United’s first January signing, Kieran Trippier.

The England international is the club’s first signing under Eddie Howe and the first of the Saudi era.

The 31-year-old full-back has moved back to the Premier League from  for an undisclosed fee, understood to be in the region of £12million plus add-ons.

The move has excited fans, not least Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly who welcomed the former Tottenham man to St James’ Park.

Sharing the club’s unveiling Tripper, they tweeted: “Welcome to Newcastle, Trippier.”

Eddie Howe hopes Trippier signing will attract other big names

Trippier’s capture from LaLiga title holders Atletico Madrid by a club battling for its Premier League life may be eye-catching in many respects, but head coach Howe is hoping it will not be the last as he attempts to re-shape his squad for both short and long-term objectives.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup third round clash with League One Cambridge, he said: “It’s a sign that the club has a huge pull – and I’m not talking financial here.

“Kieran hasn’t come for the financial benefits of the contract. He’s come for the club and for the challenge that the team faces at the current time, but also the longer-term vision, so I think that’s a massive thing for the football club.

“Hopefully with his signing, other players around the world will potentially look at that and share his dream and his vision for what he sees. That’s a big thing for us.”