Newcastle United have completed the double signing of Jamaal Lascelles and Karl Darlow from Nottingham Forest



By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

Newcastle United have completed the double signing of Jamaal Lascelles and Karl Darlow from Nottingham Forest for an undisclosed fee.

The pair have both agreed long-term deals at St. James' Park and will return to Forest on loan for the entire 2014/15 campaign.

Centre-back Lascelles, aged 20, came through the youth system at the City Ground before making his debut in January 2012.

A brief loan spell at Stevenage followed, before the England Under-20 international established himself in the heart of the Reds' rearguard last season, making 34 appearances in all competitions.

Lascelles said: "As soon as I found out about the move I was over the moon.

"It's a huge step up for me. Newcastle are a club with a massive fanbase, a big history and an unbelievable stadium.

"First, I am going back to Forest for another season and that will be great for my development. Hopefully I can come here next summer an even better player."

Goalkeeper Darlow is another product of the Forest Academy, making his bow as a substitute on the final day of the 2010/11 campaign.

The 23-year-old also gained crucial experience with loan spells at Newport County and Walsall - twice - and has been Nottingham Forest's first choice stopper since January 2013.

"I'm delighted for it all to be sorted and I can't wait to get started here at Newcastle," he said.

"The loan back is going to be another year but it gives me time to develop my game further before I return.

"I'm looking forward to the future."

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew said: "It is a real coup to have signed two of the finest young talents in English football outside of the Premier League.

"Jamaal and Karl will be a big part of the future of this Club. They have both performed outstandingly in the Championship over the last couple of years and I have no doubt they will be able step up to this level once they return from their loan at Nottingham Forest."