Best moves to Newcastle

Republic of Ireland striker Leon Best has completed his switch from Coventry to Newcastle for an undisclosed fee.

Republic of Ireland striker Leon Best has today completed his switch from Coventry to Newcastle for an undisclosed fee.

The target man, 23, was heavily linked with a move away from the Ricoh Arena during the January transfer window with his contract set to expire in the summer and talks over a new deal having stalled.

Best arrived at Newcastle’s training ground this morning where he agreed terms and completed a medical before penning a three-and-a-half year deal.

He joins the Coca-Cola Championship leaders having spent two-and-a-half years with Coventry, following his 2007 switch from Southampton.

Sky Blues chairman Ray Ranson said: “The situation with Leon’s contract has been well documented.

“When it was apparent that we couldn’t agree terms for him to remain at Coventry City, we knew we would have to listen to offers and act in the best interests of the club.”