NEWCASTLE UNITED have completed the signing of Belgian goalkeeper Matz Sels on a five-year deal.

Sels moves from Belgian Jupiler League side Gent for a fee of around £4.5m, and will compete with Karl Darlow for the goalkeeping spot at the start of next season.

With Tim Krul and Rob Elliot both recovering from serious knee injuries, Benitez was keen to strengthen Newcastle’s goalkeeping department this summer, and Sels arrives after claiming the Professional Goalkeeper of the Year award in Belgium last season.

“I am really pleased to welcome Matz to the club,” said Benitez. “He’s a fantastic goalkeeper, and many top clubs have been interested in signing him.

“Obviously we have injuries to Tim Krul and Rob Elliot which could be difficult for us in the first part of the season, so it was important to strengthen in this area to be sure we can make a strong start in the Championship.”

The Northern Echo:

Sels joined Gent from Lierse in January 2014, and went on to make 106 appearances for the club, who won the Belgian top-flight title in 2015.

The 24-year-old played in the Champions League last season, and was called up to Belgian’s senior squad for the first time last October, although he is still to make his full international debut.

“I'm very pleased - I'm very happy to be here,” said Sels. “In Belgium, Newcastle is a really big club, and that's why I chose Newcastle.

"As soon as Newcastle showed their interest in me, and I spoke to the coach, Rafa Benitez, it was an easy decision to make.”