Newcastle boss Benitez secures reunion with former Napoli defender

Newcastle have completed a deadline day deal for Swansea defender Federico Fernandez, the Premier League side have announced.

The Magpies finished the summer transfer window with seven new faces at the club following the arrival of Fernandez.

Rafa Benitez’s side were in talks to sign Barcelona defender Marlon Santos before switching their attention to the 29-year-old.

Fernandez has spent the last four years at Swansea but has now put pen to paper on an initial two-year deal with Newcastle.

“It was a long day but I’m really happy to be here,” he told the club’s official website. “It’s a new challenge in my life and I’m very excited to meet all the players and staff here.”

Benitez has sought a reunion with Fernandez having previously worked with the Argentine defender at Napoli and he will provide competition to his current options.

Newcastle were forced to sign two new centre-backs this summer following Florian Lejeune season-ending knee injury earlier this summer.

In the last three Premier League campaigns, Swansea had a far better win ratio when Fernandez started (31.5) compared to when he didn’t feature from the off (16%).