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Newcastle sign former Sunderland defender Javier Manquillo

Javier Manquillo poses during a photocall at his unveiling as a Newcastle United player
Image: Javier Manquillo poses during a photocall at his unveiling as a Newcastle player

Newcastle have signed former Sunderland and Liverpool full-back Javier Manquillo.

The 23-year-old defender joins the Magpies from Atletico Madrid on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee and will now link up with his new team-mates at their pre-season training camp in the Republic of Ireland.

Manquillo struggled to work his way into Diego Simeone's plans at the Vicente Calderon and was loaned out to Liverpool, Marseille and Sunderland over the course of the last three seasons.

He made 22 appearances for the Black Cats last season but could not prevent the club from suffering relegation from the Premier League.

Javier Manquillo
Image: Manquillo joins Newcastle from Atletico Madrid after loan spells at Liverpool, Marseille and Sunderland

However, the Spain U21 international is determined to push on with his development under the guidance of Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez.

"I'm very happy to be here. From the first moment that Rafa Benitez called me, I just knew that I had to come here, to such a big club," Manquillo told Newcastle's website.

"I'm very happy with the challenge ahead.

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"I've come here to work hard and give everything on and off the pitch. Hopefully then everything will go in the right direction."

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - APRIL 24:  Rafa Benitez manager of Newcastle United celebrates victory and promotion after the Sky Bet Championship match be
Image: Rafa Benitez was delighted to have secured the Spain U21 interantional's signature

Newcastle manager Benitez was delighted to have secured his fourth signing of the summer window, following the arrivals of Christian Atsu, Florian Lejeune and Jacob Murphy at St James' Park.

Benitez said: "Like Jacob Murphy, Manquillo is another young player. He can play both sides of the defence and he has a lot of motivation because he knows he has a point to prove.

"He can still improve but he has played for Spain at U21 level and that is because he is a good player, so hopefully he will show that form here."

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