Newcastle in talks with Aston Villa's Ciaran Clark
Newcastle United are in discussions with Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark after the Magpies activated the defender's £5m release clause.
Clark has been at Aston Villa for his entire playing career where he has played 159 games, scoring 10 goals.
The long-serving defender will now speak to fellow Championship club Newcastle over a possible move, but Villa boss Roberto Di Matteo is confident Clark will stay.
"Ciaran is a Villa man, a Villa boy, he has pledged his future to us. He will be staying with us," the Italian said recently.
"He is very happy to be with us, to stay here. I know he has a long-term contract as well".
Newcastle are also closing in on a deal to sign Hull midfielder Mohamed Diame, another player whose release clause was activated by Rafa Benitez's side.