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Benitez signs Clark and Diame

Benitez signs Clark and Diame


Ciaran Clark news

Newcastle United have signed Irish international Ciaran Clark from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee.

Clark, who is quite versatile can play any role in defence or midfield from left back, centre back or a holding player in midfield. The 26 year old has now put pen to paper on a five year contract on Tyneside which will keep him at the club till 2021. 

The news will certainly be a major blow to Villa boss Roberto Di Matteo as he would of been hopeful of keeping the Irish man for the upcoming season that kicks off on Saturday with the English Championship. Another manager's loss is another manager's gain and Rafael Benitez will be delighted to have secured the services of Clark as he looks to strengthen his squad to perhaps make a bid on returning to the Premier League. Speaking to Nufc.co.uk Benitez said 'Ciaran is a very versatile player, as a left footed centre back he can also play at left back and also as a defensive midfielder. Benitez went on further to say that Clark has a lot of experience in English football and that Newcastle are very happy that he has came on board for the upcoming season and seasons beyond. 

Clark came through the ranks at Villa before making his debut as a teenager in 2009. He soon became a regular in the side and in the last six seasons Clark has went on and made over 150 appearances, scoring 10 goals for the club. In addition, Clark has been capped 19 times for the Republic of Ireland and represented his country at the Euro 2016 Championships in France this Summer. 

Benitez has also secured the services of Mohamed Diame from Hull City. Diame also completed his move for an undisclosed fee a day after he was offered a three year contract by the Tigers. The Senegal international rejected the contract in order to sign a contract of the same length with Newcastle who were relegated from the Premier League last season.