Newcastle United have signed Argentine defender Federico Fernandez from English Championship side Swansea City.

Fernandez, 29, joins the Magpies from the Welsh club after putting pen to paper on a two-year deal for a reported £6m transfer fee.

He becomes the club’s seventh signing of the summer transfer window after goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, defender Fabian Schar, midfielders Ki Sung-yeung and Kenedy, and strikers Salomon Rondon and Yoshinori Muto.

Federico Fernandez reunites with manager Rafael Benitez after both won two Coppa Italia titles at Napoli.

He signed for Swansea City from the Italian side in 2014 and went on to feature 128 times including his last game at the weekend, a 2-1 win at hosts Sheffield United in the Welsh club’s Championship opener.

Fernandez scored twice during his four-year spell at the Liberty Stadium.

In his first interview as a Newcastle United player, Fernandez said: “It was a long day but I’m really happy to be here.”

“It is a new challenge in my life.” He stated further.

Benitez added: “I know Federico well from our time together at Napoli and it was an easy decision to bring him here.

“He is experienced, a very good professional and he will add competition in defence.” The Spanish tactician concluded.