Newcastle United have reportedly activated Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark's release clause of £5million.

According to the Daily Mail, the Republic of Ireland international looks set to join Rafa Benitez's squad in the coming days.

The 26-year-old was also linked with a move to Premier League club West Bromwich Albion recently but it appears as though he will switch Villa Park for St James' Park ahead of the 2016/17 Championship season.

Clark has spent his entire career with Villa to date but a change of scenery looks highly likely.