Newcastle United have signed defender Grant Hanley from Blackburn Rovers for an undisclosed fee on a five-year deal.

The 24 year old has won 23 caps for Scotland since playing his first game against Wales in 2011.

"I am very pleased to bring Grant Hanley to our project to add his hard work and potential to our squad," Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez said.

"Grant is a young player with a lot of ambition to improve and keep growing with us."

"It is a fantastic opportunity to come and play at such a big club and one that I couldn't turn down," Hanley added.

"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."