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          Grant Hanley joins Newcastle United from Blackburn Rovers

            Jul 21, 2016, 09:24 AM ET

            Newcastle United have completed the signing of defender Grant Hanley from Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers for an undisclosed fee.

            Scotland international Hanley, 24, has signed a five-year contract at Newcastle and becomes Rafa Benitez's sixth signing of the summer.

            Benitez told the club's official website: "I am very pleased to bring Grant Hanley to our project to add his hard work and potential to our squad.

            "It was clear that we needed another central defender and we were seeking someone with good experience in the Championship.

            "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."

            Hanley, who made 201 appearances in all competitions for Blackburn, added: "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."

            Newcastle have also brought in Jesus Gamez, Dwight Gayle, Isaac Hayden, Matt Ritchie and Matz Sels this summer.