BLACKBURN Rovers skipper Grant Hanley is the latest centre-back to be targeted by Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez.

The Magpies boss is looking to add a defender with Championship experience to his ranks and has also considered Middlesbrough's Daniel Ayala and QPR's Steven Caulker.

Newcastle in training today - SEE GALLERY 

But Newcastle hope for an easier deal to conclude with Blackburn for Hanley, a Scotland international, after making contact with Ewood Park.

The 24-year-old is an uncompromising and towering man to have at the heart of the defence and Benitez is looking for a replacement for Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini.

Newcastle unveiled £22m duo Matt Ritchie and Dwight Gayle at the training ground today, while they have already added Matz Sels to the ranks.

They are also close to announcing a deal for Atletico Madrid defender Jesus Gamez, which would mean Benitez has added five new signings if he can also pull off a deal for Hanley.

Newcastle's attempts to land players looks to have been hugely boosted following Benitez's decision to stay in charge.

And Gayle, speaking this afternoon for the first time since his £12m switch from Crystal Palace, said: "Rafa is a massive thing, for me to be playing under him is fantastic.

"He was managing at Real Madrid six months ago so for him to ask me to come to this club is huge for me.

"A few who played at Palace who have played under him have said he was great. He has been a massive factor for me. 

"To get this club in the Premier League and to play under him will be a dream come true."