Leicester complete £30m transfer of Ayoze Perez from Newcastle on four-year deal

LEICESTER have completed the signing of Newcastle forward Ayoze Perez for £30m.

The Spaniard has agreed personal terms and passed a medical with Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Perez has penned a four-year contract at the King Power Stadium to become Brendan Rodgers’ second summer capture.

Rodgers had been looking for a versatile forward and it is understood the Foxes triggered Perez’s release clause.

Perez told : “I’m very happy and very pleased. I’m very proud to be part of the Leicester family and I can’t wait to get started.

“The club want to keep growing as much as they can and that’s something I like.

“I spoke with the manager and that was important. That made me feel very comfortable about the decision to come here.”

Perez joins right-back James Justin at Leicester after the defender moved from Luton earlier this month.

The Foxes are also determined to keep Harry Maguire, with Manchester United having made a £70million offer for the England defender.

Losing Perez is a further blow to the Magpies after former boss Rafael Benitez left the club following the end of his contract on Sunday.

ANOTHER BLOW FOR MAGPIES

Benitez joined Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang on Tuesday.

Perez scored 48 goals in 195 games for the Magpies after joining from Tenerife in 2014.

The 25-year-old was their 13-goal top scorer last season, including netting the winner in Newcastle’s 1-0 victory at Leicester in April.

Leicester boss Rodgers added: “I think Ayoze will be a wonderful addition to the squad. He’s quick, has a good eye for goal and he’s experienced in the Premier League too.

“I think he’s a player who will excite our supporters, and his style is one that I believe complements the

options and quality that we already have here at the club.”

Newcastle are also braced for a bid from Manchester United for midfielder Sean Longstaff.

United are expected to make their move for the 21-year-old this week.