Newcastle United have officially confirmed that Republic of Ireland defender Ciaran Clark has completed a £5m switch from Aston Villa, signing a five-year contract with the Championship side.
Clark's transfer concludes a 16-year spell at Villa, after he signed for them as a 10-year-old in 2000. He broke into the Aston Villa first team in 2010, before going on to make 134 Premier League appearances over the course of six seasons.
CONFIRMED: @C_Clark_6 has signed for Newcastle United! ????#WelcomeCiaran #NUFC pic.twitter.com/tjcJyFoMKb
On Monday, "?Newcastle triggered Clark's £5 million release clause, before agreeing personal terms with the player on Tuesday.
Speaking to "?Newcastle's official website about the move, Clark said:
"Newcastle is a massive club so I'm really happy to be here," said Clark.
"Importantly, it is a club that is moving in the right direction and pushing for the right things, so I'm really excited to now be a part of that.
"Things seem to have progressed really quickly over the last few days but I'm delighted to have got it all done and be a part of this squad."
The deal will come as a huge blow to Villa boss Roberto Di Matteo, who on Monday claimed that Clark was committed to the club for the upcoming season.
"Ciaran is a Villa man, a Villa boy, he has pledged his future to us. He will be staying with us," the ex-Chelsea boss told "?Sky Sports. "He is very happy to be with us, to stay here. I know he has a long-term contract as well."
Clark is a versatile defender, with the ability to cover at left-back as well as in holding midfield, meaning that he could be signed as suitable cover for Rafa Benitez's side.
The switch marks Newcastle's eighth transfer of the summer so far, with the likes of Matt Ritchie signing from Bournemouth as well as Dwight Gayle, who signed from Crystal Palace in a £10 million deal.
Newcastle also seem to be closing in on the signing of Hull City midfielder Mohamed Diame, with reports claiming that the "?29-year old was set for a medical at St James' Park after rejecting a contract offer from Hul.