Newcastle spend £5.5m to bring Hanley from Blackburn

Grant Hanley: Toon Army's latest addition

Grant Hanley: Toon Army's latest addition

Newcastle United have signed centre-back Grant Hanley from Blackburn Rovers for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £5.5million.

Hanley, 24, has penned a five-year at St James’ Park as they rebuild their squad ready for the Championship.

The Scotland international came through the youth system at Rovers and went on to make more than 200 appearances, scoring nine goals.

Hanley said it was an opportunity he couldn’t refuse.

“I’m over the moon and delighted to be here,”

“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.”

Manager Rafa Benitez was pleased to get the deal done for Hanley, who replaces long serving defenders Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini who left earlier in the summer.

“He is a strong defender, fast with personality.”

“He will increase competitiveness in his position.”

Hanley is Newcastle’s sixth senior arrival this summer following Matz Selz, Dwight Gayle, Matt Ritchie, Jesus Gamez and Isaac Hayden.