Newcastle in talks with Aston Villa's Ciaran Clark

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.