AFTER a successful spell on loan, City have agreed to sign Newcastle United midfielder Matthew Pattison on a permanent basis.

The 21-year old joined the Canaries on loan back in November and has been a robust and competitive presence in his 10 appearances for City.

Pattison joins for an undisclosed fee on a three and-a-half year contract.

South African born, Pattison joined the Newcastle Academy at the age of 14. The stocky and combative 21-year-old made his reserve team debut for the Magpies on August 20, 2003. He signed a new contract with United in December 2005 up until the end of this current season. The South African made his first team debut as a substitute against Everton in February 2006, after being given his chance by then Newcastle boss Roeder.

Pattison went on to make 12 appearances in the 2006-07 campaign, including three appearances as a substitute in Newcastle's UEFA Cup campaign that saw the Magpies reach the last 16 of the competition. In March 2006 he received the 'Wor Jackie' award for outstanding young talent, and made his last appearance for the Toon on the final day of last season at Watford.