Newcastle United Transfer News: Romain Amalfitano Moves On

Newcastle United midfielder Romain Amalfitano has returned to France after having failed to make the grade in the Premier League.

According to John Drayton of the Daily Mail, the 24-year-old has joined Ligue 2 side Dijon FCO on a season-long loan. Amalfitano has made just five appearances for the Magpies, all of which came during last term's Europa League campaign.

Amalfitano, whose brother, Morgan, landed a loan move of his own this week from Marseille to West Bromwich Albion, has not appeared for the first team since November.

The Nice-born playmaker arrived at St. James’ Park last summer from top-flight club Reims after his contract at the Stade Auguste Delaune expired.

He is one of a clutch of youngsters recruited by manager Alan Pardew over the past 18 months, alongside the likes of Gael Bigirimana, Curtis Good, Kevin Mbabu and Olivier Kemen.

The Frenchman worked his way through the youth system at his first club, Chateauroux, before joining Reims as a 21-year-old in 2010 via a year-long spell with Evian.

He made his Newcastle debut in a preseason friendly against German side Chemnitzer last July, followed by his competitive bow the following month versus Greek Super League outfit Atromitos.

His one and only start for the Toon came on the Portuguese island of Madeira in a goalless group-stage draw with Maritimo.

The player becomes the latest in a long line to leave United on loan this summer, following the likes of Shane Ferguson, Conor Newton, Mehdi Abeid and Michael Richardson out of the door.

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