By Matt Storey
Newcastle have completed the signing of Blackburn captain Grant Hanley for an undisclosed fee.
The centre-back has signed a five-year deal with the Magpies and will bring plenty of experience to the heart of Newcastle's defence
Scottish international Hanley made his Rovers debut at the age of 18 and made 201 appearances during his time at Ewood Park.
Despite coming through the Rovers academy, Hanley was delighted to complete his move up to Tyneside.
“I'm over the moon,” said Hanley. “It is a fantastic opportunity to come and play at such a big club and one that I couldn't turn down.
” I am looking forward to helping Newcastle get back into the Premier League.”
Benitez meanwhile was happy that he had managed to bring a centre back with plenty of Championship experience to St James Park.
“It was clear that we needed another central defender and we were seeking someone with good experience in the Championship,” explained Benitez
“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.”
The 24-year-old picked up the fans' Player of the Year vote at Ewood Park last season and with the fee said to be around the £5 million mark, Newcastle's gross spending is now £35 million for the summer.
Both Moussa Sissoko and Gigi Wijnaldum are expected to move on for large sums in the coming weeks however, meaning Benitez could be given more funds to try and ensure the Toon Army bounce back at the first time of asking.
Hanley is expected to pull on the Newcastle shirt for the first time when they travel to Belgium side KSC Lokeren for their latest pre-season friendly on Saturday.
