The 19-year-old Italian is expected to compete immediately for a first-team berth at St James' Park along with Obafemi Martins, Shola Ameobi and Albert Luque.

His arrival will help compensate for the loss of Alan Shearer and Michael Owen to retirement and injury respectively.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was said to have considered loan requests from Blackburn and West Bromwich Albion before deciding the precocious Italian would fare best on Tyneside.

The move leaves United with just Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and utility player Alan Smith as his options up front.

"It was a big decision for us especially as we don't have the choice of strikers," said Ferguson.

"But this is something that Giuseppe wanted as he needs regular first-team football. When he returns, he will be a more experienced player who will be able to offer us much more."