Newcastle United have officially completed the signing of Scottish international defender Grant Hanley from Blackburn Rovers to continue what has so far been a busy summer of comings and goings at St James' Park following relegation in May.
Hanley, who was appointed Blackburn captain in 2014, has signed a five-year contract that will keep him tied to the Magpies until 2021. The fee is believed to have been in the region of £5.5m.
"I'm over the moon and delighted to be here," the 24-year-old centre-back told NUFC.co.uk.
CONFIRMED: Welcome to Newcastle United, Grant Hanley! ⚫�⚪� #NUFC pic.twitter.com/w6Mqx8Mbrx
"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."
Hanley initially joined Blackburn from the youth academy at Rangers in 2008 and became a regular in the team midway through the 2011/12 season when the Lancashire club was still in the Premier League.
He has four years of Championship experience to his name, playing 44 of Blackburn's 46 league games last season, and will provide the kind of grit and second tier knowhow that will be crucial for Newcastle's promotion hopes.
"I am very pleased to bring Grant Hanley to our project to add his hard work and potential to our squad," Toon boss Rafa Benitez explained.
"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."