By Matthew Jones
July 13 2002

Newcastle have completed the signing of Ipswich Town's Titus Bramble, with the England Under-21 defender signing a five-year deal. Newcastle have completed the signing of Ipswich Town's Titus Bramble, with the England Under-21 defender signing a five-year deal.

Bramble becomes Sir Bobby Robson's second major acquisition of the summer following the £8.5million arrival of Hugo Viana, with The Magpies paying a fee which could eventually be worth £6million.

The deal with Ipswich and the player was agreed a fortnight ago but United stalled on the deal until the club's medical staff were convinced that the 20-year-old had fully recovered from a heel operation.

Newcastle are now satisfied that Bramble is fit enough to begin his career on Tyneside and the centre-back signed a five-year deal this morning.

Robson said: "I am delighted that Titus will be part of our squad next season. He is a powerfully-built lad who has the potential to achieve great things in the game."

Bramble is delighted to have joined a club with Newcastle's stature and is eagerly anticipating the start of the new season.

"Whilst I am sad to be leaving Ipswich Town, I am thrilled to be joining such a massive club as Newcastle United," he told the club's website.

"There are some terrific players here, a tremendous manager and I cannot wait for the new season to start."

Bramble will be handed the number 19 shirt at St James' Park in a move that will see him reunited with his former Ipswich team-mate Kieron Dyer.