Yedlin’s all smiles at Mags move

DeAndre Yedlin said he was “honoured” to return to the North East to sign for Newcastle United.

Yedlin has became the Magpies’ ninth summer signing after moving from Tottenham for an undisclosed fee.

The versatile right-back replaces Daryl Janmaat, who has joined Watford in a £7.5million deal.

Yedlin – who spent last season on loan at Sunderland – has signed a fiveyear deal at St James’s Park.

“Newcastle is such a big and historic club, and I’m excited to have the honour of playing for them,” said the 23-year-old.

“Hopefully, I can do great things here. I’m excited to learn under Rafa Benitez as well. He has an amazing resume and I know he will help improve me a lot. I can’t wait to get started.”

Benitez – whose side host Brighton in the Championship on Saturday evening – said the club had been planning for the departure of Janmaat, who had also been a target for West Ham United.

“We have known for a little while of Watford’s interest in Daryl Janmaat, so it was important for us to bring in a replacement immediately,”

“In DeAndre, we have a player who knows English football well. He has good experience, an attacking mentality, ability and great pace.

“I think he can do really well for us and will give us good competition on the right.”

Janmaat said he wanted to stay in the Premier League after ending his two-year stay at United.

“It’s a new adventure for me,” said the 27-year-old. “I was really pleased that Watford showed interest in me, because I wanted to play in the Premier League.

“We (Newcastle) lost three times to Watford last season. They had a good season, and I hope we can do the same again this year.

“The club is showing great ambition and wants to improve and I want to be part of that.”

Goalkeeper Tim Krul is set to sign a one-year extension to his Newcastle contract and then join Ajax on a season-long loan.

Meanwhile, Newcastle midfielder Henri Saivet has joined Saint-Etienne on a season-long loa.