NEWCASTLE UNITED have confirmed the signing of Spanish defender Jesus Gamez from Atletico Madrid.


Gamez, a right-back who can also play on the left-hand side of the back four, has signed an initial two-year contract at St. James' Park.

The 31-year-old is the Magpies' fourth summer arrival following the capture of Matz Sels, Dwight Gayle and Matt Ritchie.

Gamez began his playing days at Malaga and went on to make 256 appearances during nine seasons in the first team at his local club.

He spent three years as Malaga's captain before departing for Atletico Madrid in August 2014, and he helped Diego Simeone's side reach the final of last season's Champions League.

However, he only made 14 senior appearances for Atletico last season, and his lack of involvement with the La Liga side was a major factor in his decision to join Newcastle.

"I am really looking forward to starting the next part of my career at Newcastle," said Gamez, who will travel to Ireland with his new team-mates tomorrow for a pre-season training camp.

"It was the right time to leave Atletico Madrid and this is the right move for me.

"We have an exciting project here, to bring Newcastle back to where it belongs, in the Premier League, and I am very happy to be a part of that."

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez added: "I am really pleased to bring Jesus here to Newcastle.

"He is a very good defender who can play on both sides, left and right.

"He is experienced, I know he has great character and, importantly, he is an excellent professional. I am sure he will give balance to the team."