The Argentina international has joined the Magpies from Spanish La Liga side RCD Mallorca.

He has signed for an undisclosed fee, but Manchester City were being quoted £7m when Sven-Goran Eriksson made an enquiry last season.

But now the 24-year-old, who turns 25 on Saturday, has said he cannot wait to get going on Tyneside.

"I cannot tell you how excited I am to be joining Newcastle United," he said.

"The Premier League is a great place to play and I cannot wait to meet my new team-mates and prove myself to the Newcastle United fans."

The right-sided attacker has joined from Spanish outfit RCD Mallorca on a five-year deal.

Gutierrez has the nickname "Spider-man" for wearing the superhero's webbed mask during flamboyant goal celebrations while playing in La Liga.

United boss Kevin Keegan said: "Jonas is a wonderful signing for us.

"I know a lot of other clubs have been interested in him.

"He'll be a terrific addition to the squad.

"He's an exciting player and I'm sure our fans will enjoy watching him."

He began his career with Velez Sarsfield in Argentina, helping the club win the Primera Division title in 2005 before moving to Spain.

He won his first cap against France in February 2007.

Only last month he played for his country in a 0-0 World Cup qualifying draw away to Brazil in Belo Horizonte.

As a result, Jonas will now have a break before linking up with his new colleagues for pre-season training later this month.

Gutierrez made 95 appearances for Mallorca and scored five goals.

He narrowly missed out on European qualification last season when Mallorca finished seventh in La Liga, with the winger making 30 appearances.

Gutierrez is expected to create competition for places and, with United eager to hold on to James Milner, he will give Keegan options on the right-hand side.

He is expected to make his United debut on August 9 against familiar opponents when he lines up against Valencia in a friendly at St James's Park.