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Newcastle United are hoping to make Blackburn Rovers centre-back Grant Hanley their next summer signing.

The Chronicle understands that Rafa Benitez has targeted the Scotland international to bolster the centre of his defence following the exit of Fabricio Coloccini.

Sources in Lancashire say that Newcastle made an enquiry for the 24-year-old this week and the 6ft 3in Dumfries-born centre-back is thought to be open to the move to St James’ Park .

If United were to pull off the deal it would offer them another leader, with Hanley currently the skipper of Blackburn and having plenty of experience in the Sky Bet Championship .

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Newcastle are also tying up a deal for Atletico Madrid defender Jesus Gamez, but with Benitez keen to get his shopping done early this summer both could be signed, sealed and delivered by the end of the week.

Hanley has 23 Scottish caps to his name and has made 183 league appearances for Blackburn Rovers, scoring eight goals.

Newcastle have already signed goalkeeper Matz Sels, striker Dwight Gayle and winger Matt Ritchie.

But Benitez is now focused on bringing in defenders and that is his main aim this week before the team fly out to Carton House in Ireland for pre-season training.