Newcastle United close in on Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark?

Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has reportedly signalled his intention to continue his signing spree at St James' Park by moving to secure the signature of Ciaran Clark.

After the club's relegation to the Championship, Benitez has been entrusted with the task of earning a return to the top flight at the first time of asking, and just hours after being linked with Hull City midfielder Mohamed Diame, it has been claimed that Aston Villa defender Clark could move to the North-East.

According to The Chronicle, the Magpies have moved to activate a release clause in the Irishman's contract as they look to strengthen their numbers at the back.

It has been suggested that Villa boss Roberto Di Matteo wants to keep the player in the West Midlands but Benitez is hoping to persuade Clark to join his revolution on Tyneside.

Clark has made 159 appearances for Villa since being introduced to the first team in 2009.