Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur linked forward Ayoze Perez has signed a new five-and-a-half year contract extension with Newcastle United, thus putting to rest the speculation about his future at St James' Park.

The 22-year-old, who moved to the Premier League in June 2014, has become an integral part of the Newcastle United attacking line-up having managed to score an overall 12 goals for the side in 63 matches.




Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren has been a known admirer of the youngster and sees the striker as part of his future plans at the club.

Giving his reaction to Perez's signing the new contract, McClaren told his club's official website: "We are trying to build this club for the long-term, and you can see that through our transfer business.
 


"But we are also doing that by giving new contracts to young players who we believe have big futures at Newcastle.

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"Ayoze has proved himself to be a very good player and I am delighted he has extended his contract here.

"He has surprised me in terms of his ability. He can change a game, win a game and has scored some important goals for us this season. He has been a big plus.

"There is a lot more to come from Ayoze and that will happen in a Newcastle United shirt."

The Premier League strugglers have also been linked with moves for a number of forwards with Algerian striker Islam Slimani and West Bromwich Albion striker Saido Berahino being the most prominent among them. 

The Magpies have also won the race for Roma striker Seydou Doumbia with the forward having arrived on a loan deal until the end of the season.