Premier League rule Southampton midfielder out of Newcastle United clash

The Saints have brought both striker Cameron Archer for £15million from Aston Villa and midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea.

Archer only re-joined Villa at the start of the summer after Sheffield United’s relegation from the Premier League last year triggered a buy-back clause. He is eligible to feature against Newcastle.

 “I'm really excited to be here. I had a good chat with the gaffer,” said the 22-year-old. “Obviously, he told me everything I needed to hear.

“That was one of the main reasons why I'm here, his playing style, his coaching and trying to improve me as a player. It's not a bad place to do that in the Premier League with Southampton.

“I just want to keep scoring goals and improve myself as a player, and I don't think there's a better place to do that than with Southampton.”

Meanwhile, Ugochukwu joined Chelsea last year for a reported £23.2m from French club Rennes and made 15 appearances during his debut season.

“I feel very happy. Southampton has a great history,” said the 20-year-old. “A lot of great players came over here and played for Southampton, so I'm very happy to be part of the team now.

“It was a very easy decision. They just came back to Premier League. When I heard Southampton, when I spoke to the gaffer as well, I said, 'I have to come here.' I’m just here to work hard and give everything for the fans and for myself as well.”

Unlike Archer, Ugochukwu - as per the BBC - is not eligible to feature against Newcastle as the Saints were unable to register him in time with the Premier League. The league's registration deadline is noon on the Friday before the opening weekend.