Newcastle United have confirmed the signing of Senegal defender Lamine Diatta.

The 32-year-old, who was a free agent after leaving Besiktas, originally rejected terms but has now agreed a compromise, signing until the end of the season with a view to a longer contract.

He becomes Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan's first signing of his second spell in charge at the club, having taken the decision not to sign any new players during the January transfer window.

Keegan said: "We have not got much cover if we pick up any more injuries to our defenders, and Diatta will provide this."

Diatta - who has played for Marseille, St. Etienne and Lyon - was on trial at St. James's Park but was believed to have opted against becoming Kevin Keegan's first signing despite passing a medical and provisionally agreeing terms.

Newcastle have failed to win in the seven Premier League matches Keegan has taken charge of since the sacking of Sam Allardyce in December

Reda Maher / Eurosport