Newcastle are hoping to seal a deal for Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark.
Aston Villa’s Ciaran Clark
Newcastle United have activated Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark’s £5 million release clause, report the Daily Mail.
Clark, 26, now has a decision to make whether to join Rafa Benitez’s side, who were relegated along with Villa last season.
Ciaran Clark celebrates scoring the first goal for Aston Villa
Clark is a player who has divided opinion at Villa in recent seasons, but even so, losing him so close to the season kicking off is a blow to the club, especially to a promotion rival.
The defender featured for the Republic of Ireland at Euro 2016, scoring an own goal in their opening game against Sweden.
Republic of Ireland’s Clark scores own goal
Last season he made 16 starts for Villa plus two substitute appearances, scoring once and picking up six yellow cards.
He has more than 130 appearances to his name for Villa over his career, since making his debut for the club in 2009/10.
At Villa his place is under threat from the arrival of Bournemouth defender Tommy Elphick, while Newcastle are looking to strengthen after releasing both Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini.
Here is a look at how Villa fans reacted to the news…
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