Newcastle United announce signing of Grant Hanley from Blackburn Rovers

Newcastle United have completed the signing of Grant Hanley from Blackburn Rovers on a five-year deal.

The 24-year-old, who is Rafael Benitez's sixth summer arrival, finalised the move today after the clubs agreed on a reported £5.5m fee.

The Magpies were knocked back twice in their efforts to sign the defender as Blackburn held out for a £6m figure, but an agreement was reached yesterday.

Hanley joins Newcastle, who were relegated to the Championship last season, after making 201 appearances during a six-year spell at Blackburn.

"I'm over the moon and delighted to be here," Hanley told Newcastle's official website. "It is a fantastic opportunity to come and play at such a big club and one that I couldn't turn down.

"It is an exciting step in my career but it doesn't stop there. This is just the start and I am looking forward to helping Newcastle get back into the Premier League."

Benitez added: "I am very pleased to bring Grant Hanley to our project to add his hard work and potential to our squad. It was clear that we needed another central defender and we were seeking someone with good experience in the Championship.

"Grant is a young player with a lot of ambition to improve and keep growing with us. He is also a strong defender, fast and with personality, a player that surely will increase competitiveness in his position."

Hanley follows Matz Sels, Dwight Gayle, Isaac Hayden, Matt Ritchie and Jesus Gamez to St James' Park, but there could be an outgoing as the club have reportedly agreed to sell Georginio Wijnaldum to Liverpool for £25m.