Transfer deadline day: Steve McClaren says Newcastle signing Seydou Doumbia is a natural goalscorer

Newcastle United's on-loan signing Seydou Doumbia is a "natural" goalscorer, according to manager Steve McClaren. The 28-year-old forward has joined the Magpies on loan until the end of the season and McClaren has backed the Ivorian to hit the ground running.

The former England boss thinks Doumbia – who has joined from Italian giants Roma – will help to fill the void left by some of his injured players. He also hopes Doumbia will supplement the attacking threat of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ayoze Perez.

"With Papiss Cisse currently out injured and Emmanuel Riviere only just coming back, the burden has fallen on Mitro and Ayo to lead the line for us," McClaren told Newcastle's official website.

"They have done a great job but we have brought in another forward to give them some help. It is no secret that we have been looking to add to our options in the striking area. We have been searching for a forward and were delighted when the opportunity arose to take Seydou on loan."

McClaren said Newcastle's latest signing has proven his pedigree at the highest levels of the game, having thrived in the Champions League during his time at CSKA Moscow.

"He is a natural goalscorer, someone who has done it in the Champions League and has played at the highest level. I watched the Champions Leagues games he played against Manchester City and Manchester United, and he looks a very good player," the Newcastle boss said.

"He's someone who plays on the shoulder of defenders, runs in behind and gets on the end of things. We have been looking for that type, and so are delighted to have Seydou on board."

McClaren also praised Newcastle's rookie duo of Mitrovic and Perez, who have been carrying the goalscoring responsibility of late. "A lot of the burden has been placed on them," he said.

"Mitro has had ankle problems but has never missed a day's training and has played through it. He's been fantastic for us, as has Ayoze. It's easy to forget how young they are and how they are still learning the game and developing.

"We needed someone with a bit more experience in there as we've fallen short in that department. hopefully Seydou can come in and make his mark at this club over the next few months and help us get some wins."