Tamas Kadar

Newcastle have made Hungarian defender Tamas Kadar their first signing since Kevin Keegan was named as their new manager.

The 17-year-old, who impressed the Magpies during a recent trial, has signed a four-and-half year contract at St James' Park.

Newcastle are reported to have paid Zalaegerszegi 1.2million euros (£900,000) for Kadar - making him the most expensive defender in Hungarian football history.

"My dream has come true, that I have signed to play for a club from the Premiership," Kadar told Zalaegerszegi's official website.

"My goal is, of course, to fight and grab a place in the first team as soon as ossible."

Kadar revealed that he is shocked by the progress he has made in recent years, having only taken up the game a few years ago.

"When I was 14 I wasn't a contracted footballer, I played only for fun and I wanted to become a handballer as I'm from Veszprem [the town has a well-known European class handball team]."

"I'm happy to get this contract but I don't want to be satisfied only with this. I'm studying English very hard and I want to become a good and successful player," added Kadar, who already has an Under-21 cap to his name.