DAN GOSLING has joined newly-promoted Newcastle United after the former Plymouth Argyle starlet controversially left Everton a free agent.

Chris Hughton's Magpies have spent the summer trying to strengthen their squad for life back in the Premier League on a tight budget, and have snapped up the 20-year-old

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on a free transfer after exploiting his complicated contractual situation at Goodison Park.

The young Devonian follows Nottingham Forest utility player James Perch, 24, into the club, with Hughton investing in players he believes will develop and increase in value over the course of their contracts.

Gosling, who will wear the Newcastle number 15 shirt, has signed a four-year deal, although it will be several months before the midfielder is able to pull on the black and white shirt in earnest as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury.

The deal was agreed in principle some time ago after the Magpies took advantage of Everton's failure to follow up a verbal contract offer in writing by a prescribed deadline.

An independent hearing, on July 7, convened under Premier League rules, cleared the way for Newcastle to push home their interest, although they wanted to await any response from the Toffees before putting pen to paper.

Brixham-born Gosling, who began his professional career at Argyle, made a £2million switch from Home Park to Merseyside in January 2008.

Gosling's decision to leave Everton meant the Pilgrims missed out on money they were expecting as part of the deal, which was for an initial fee of £1million.

That figure could have risen to £2million subject to appearances and international honours.

However, Gosling was delighted to have clinched a move to St James' Park.

He said: "It's a brilliant move for me. Now that the deal is done, I just can't wait to get started.

"I have played at St James' Park before and know all about the amazing atmosphere.

"Playing there in a black and white shirt is something I have thought about already, and it will be a great day when I finally get to walk out in front of 50,000 people.

"The gaffer (Hughton) and all of the lads have been great with me and have made me feel really welcome since I arrived.

"Hopefully, I can repay the faith they have shown in me."

Gosling

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, who made 37 first team appearances for Everton, was just three games away from netting Argyle an extra £250,000.

Everton wanted Gosling, who can play in midfield or at full-back, to sign a new contract worth up to £15,000-a-week.

But a failure to put that verbal offer in writing by mid-May ultimately meant he walked out of Goodison a free agent.

Gosling has been out of action since rupturing cruciate knee ligaments in a collision with Wolves keeper Marcus Hahnemann in March.

The initial prognosis was that Gosling would be sidelined for nine months, but Hughton is confident he will have a major role to play once he is fit.

He said: "We are delighted to have signed Dan. He's the right age and the profile he has is what makes it such an appealing capture for us.

"He's young but has Premier League experience, and he's someone who can continue to develop.

"We see him as a high-energy player and a player who can play from box-to-box, but he's also a young player with experience, so he won't be fazed by what is ahead of him."