Florian Thauvin studying Newcastle history

Marseille are understood to have the option to buy him at the end of the season for £6.5million.

But the 22-year-old was rated as one of France’s most exciting young players – winning comparisons to Franck Ribery and Michel Platini – before last year’s dip.

The French U21 global, who could make his debut at Manchester United on Saturday, says he is not under pressure despite the estimated £13m deal. Marseille have practically imploded over the previous year or so, culminating in the departure of a host of players this summer and the sudden exit of former boss Marcelo Bielsa earlier this month.

Thauvin said: ‘Two or three seasons ago, Arsene Wenger perhaps made an approach with Arsenal, but apart from Arsenal, Newcastle are the only other club who have made an approach for me in the past’.

‘I’m a fast player on the wing. ‘I like playing both left and right. On the right I come inside and shoot or slip a pass in behind the defence. I think that’s it for now – but how many times have you heard, “That’s it for now” with 10 days to go of the window?

He joins Georginio Wijnaldum, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Chancel Mbemba and Ivan Toney through the door at St James’ Park and McClaren will hope his arrival kick-starts the Magpies’ Premier League campaign following a draw and a defeat from the opening two games of the season.

“It is good that we again get to be in the first game that plays and, hopefully, set the benchmark for the weekend”.

‘We have brought characters into this club, winners.

“They’ve absolutely delivered 100 per cent with the quality that we’ve got”.

The quietly spoken Frenchman was presented to a packed press room ahead of today’s lunchtime kick-off at Old Trafford and boldly declared: “I hope to be one of the best players in the world”.

“And I am surprised in a very good way to see such a well-organised club here”. It is great. I do not like nice squads.