NEWCASTLE UNITED have made their second signing of the day by completing the signature of Hull City midfielder Mohamed Diame.

The Senegal international has signed a three-year deal at St James' Park after the Magpies triggered a £4.5m release clause in the player's contract.

Despite the Tigers attempts to keep him by offering him a new deal, Diame has moved to Newcastle after passing a medical in the last 24 hours.

The 29-year-old becomes the eighth player to join Rafael Benitez's squad this summer.

"It is a great feeling to be a Newcastle player," said Diame, whose arrival comes just hours after Ciaran Clark completed his switch from Aston Villa.

"Everybody close to me knows how desperate I am to play in the Premier League again, but when Newcastle comes in for you it makes you think.

"I am looking to the future. Newcastle is a big name, a massive club and will be back in the Premier League, for sure."

Benitez said: "Mohamed is a strong, attack-minded player with a lot of fight and determination to his game. He is also someone who will provide the team with goals and assists from midfield.

"He has good experience of the Championship and the fight needed to win promotion, which will be important for us."

Diame started his career with French side Lens, before moving to Spain, where he turned out for Linares and Rayo Vallecano.

He moved to Wigan in August 2009 and has spent the last seven years in England, turning out for the Latics, West Ham United and Hull City.

Last season he scored the only goal in the Championship play-off final at Wembley, as the Tigers booked their place back in the Premier League. He has 28 caps for his country.