BLACKBURN Rovers captain Grant Hanley has joined Championship rivals Newcastle United on a five-year deal.

The Scottish international joins the Tyneside club for an undisclosed fee.

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The defender started out with the Rovers Academy, making his senior debut at the age of 18 on the final day of the 2009/10 season.

Hanley built on his debut to become one of the mainstays in the Rovers defence, progressing to become the club's captain in 2014.

A regular on the international stage with Scotland, impressive displays saw Hanley win the fans' Player of the Year vote last season.

During his eight years at the club Hanley went on to make 200 appearances, scoring 8 goals.

"I'm over the moon and delighted to be here," said Hanley.

"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."

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez added: "I am very pleased to bring Grant Hanley to our project to add his hard work and potential to our squad.

"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."