Newcastle signs England striker Smith from Manchester United on five-year contract

Newcastle signed England striker Alan Smith from Manchester United on Friday.

Photo: Newcastle signs England striker Smith from Manchester United on five-year contract

Smith, who failed to win a regular place in three years at United, signed a five-year contract with Newcastle.

Newcastle did not disclose the transfer fee for Smith, but British papers reported that he would cost about 6 million pounds (US$12.2 million; EUR 8.9 million).

Smith joins his former Leeds teammate Mark Viduka at Newcastle after the Australia striker moved from Middlesbrough in the offseason. Smith and Viduka played up front together for Leeds for four years and were on the team that reached the semifinals of the Champions League in 2001.

Smith joined United from Leeds when the club he supported was relegated in 2004. He scored 10 goals in his first year, but often played in midfield because United signed Wayne Rooney at the same time.

He broke his leg in February 2006, ruling him out of last year's World Cup, and did not play again until September.

He played just 18 matches last season, but was picked to start England's 1-1 draw with Brazil in June.