Republic of Ireland defender Ciaran Clark has joined the Rafa-lution at Newcastle United, who have shelled out an 'undisclosed fee', thought to be in the region of €6.1 million.
Clark joins the club on a five-year deal after seven years as a senior player at Aston Villa where he made 134 Premier League appearances and scored 7 goals.
He joined Villa's academy aged 11 and has proven himself to be a versatile left-footed centre-half who can also do a job at left back and as a defensive midfielder.
Clark in action for Ireland at Euro 2016 - ©INPHO/James Crombie
The 26-year-old has earned 19 caps with the Boys in Green since making his debut under Giovanni Trapattoni in 2011 - his most recent caps came against Sweden and Belgium at Euro 2016.
Clark spoke to NUFC TV after making the move
🎥 @C_Clark_6 speaks about his arrival at St. James' Park âš«ï¸âšªï¸
📺 https://t.co/miY5LQzg2w#WelcomeCiaran #NUFChttps://t.co/p36oiI2sPS
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) August 3, 2016
The Magpies are favourites to win the Championship title and bounce straight back up into the Premier League under boss Rafa Benitez.
The Spaniard feels Clark is the right fit for the club.
"He has a lot of experience of English football and will add good balance and competition to our squad. I am sure he will progress with us here at Newcastle, we are very happy for him to join us."
