Connect with us

Championship

Benitez brings Clark to Newcastle

Benitez brings Clark to Newcastle

Newcastle have snapped up defender Ciaran Clark from their Championship rivals Aston Villa.

The 26-year-old defender had four years left on his Villa contract, but has joined after Newcastle activated the £5million release clause in his contract, becoming the sixth player to depart Villa Park this summer.

Clark, who is left-footed, is most comfortable at centre-back, but can also play at left-back and in defensive midfield, adding great depth to the Magpie’s defence.

Rafa Benitez said: “Ciaran is a very versatile player.

“He has a lot of experience in English football and will add good balance and competition.”

Clark made 150 appearances for Aston Villa, and has played for the Republic of Ireland 19 times, including twice at this summer’s Euro 2016.

Speaking about signing, Clark said: “Newcastle is a massive club so I’m really happy to be here.

“I’m delighted to get it all done and be part of this squad.”

Despite the signing of Tommy Elphick, the move will come as a blow to Villa manager Roberto Di Matteo, who spoke earlier in the transfer window about keeping hold of his assets, including youth-team product Clark.

“Ciaran is a Villa man, a Villa boy, he has pledged his future to us. He will be staying with us,” Di Matteo said.

“He is very happy to be with us, to stay here. I know he has a long-term contract as well.”

Clark will now join up with his new team-mates ahead of Newcastle’s EFL opener at Fulham on Friday night.

 

 

Related Topics
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Add us as a Preferred Source on Google

Tackle the News

- Sign Up for our weekly Football League Newsletter Today!
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Free bets

Best Betting Sites at Betinireland.ienew-UK-football-betting-sites-banner

Online Casinos

More in Championship

  • Rovers pay heavy Price at Baggies Rovers pay heavy Price at Baggies

    Rovers pay heavy Price at Baggies

    By Jonathan Drury WEST BROM 3 Stewart 19, Price 72 (pen), Myhre 89 BLACKBURN R 2 Gudjohnsen 6, 12 THE PRICE IS RIGHT: West Brom’s Isaac Price, left, levels things up from the spot PICTURES: Alamy JAMES Morrison hailed West Brom’s calmness and belief as they came from two goals...

  • ICE COLD FOR ALEX IN PNE HOTSEAT ICE COLD FOR ALEX IN PNE HOTSEAT

    ICE COLD FOR ALEX IN PNE HOTSEAT

    ISSUES: Alexander PRESTON manager Graham Alexander admitted there are no easy fixes for his side’s problems, after defeat to Wrexham extended his winless start. The Lilywhites sit bottom and are yet to pick up a point since Alexander’s arrival during the international break, and have now conceded four goals in...

  • Advertisement Hellberg has to rely on ‘Shear class Advertisement Hellberg has to rely on ‘Shear class

    Advertisement Hellberg has to rely on ‘Shear class

    CHAMPIONSHIP By Dominic Shaw MIDDLESBROUGH 2 Conway 58, Lankshear 61 Moylan 22, Tanner 45+1 CARDIFF CITY 2 FULL COMMITMENT: Cardiff City’s Krystian Bielik, left, and Middlesbrough’s Aidan Morris race for the ball PICTURES: Alamy KIM Hellberg defended his decision to rest ship’s top scorer came off the bench to rescue...

  • BRIAN HAPPY TO TAKE A POINT BRIAN HAPPY TO TAKE A POINT

    BRIAN HAPPY TO TAKE A POINT

    SPIRIT: Barry-Murphy DESPITE letting a two-goal lead slip, Cardiff boss Brian Barry-Murphy was delighted with the efforts of his side. He said: “It was a very tough game for ourselves, as we expected. “In the first half, I felt we were dangerous when we had our moments. “We would like...