STRIKER Leon Best has joined Newcastle United for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old agreed terms and completed a medical this morning to sign for the Championship leaders after two-and-a-half years with Coventry City.

Best was due to be out of contract in the summer and, while compensation would have been due for his registration because he is under 24, chairman Ray Ranson said the club had acted now to achieve the best possible deal.

He said: "The situation with Leon's contract has been well documented. When it was apparent that we couldn't agree terms for him to remain at Coventry City, we knew we would have to listen to offers and act in the best interests of the club."