It wasn't exactly a secret, but Jamaal Lascelles and Karl Darlow have now been officially confirmed as Newcastle's two newest signings, in a deal believed to be worth about £7m to Forest. Stuart Pearce won't be left without the players just yet however, as both English prospects will return to the club for the entirety of this season - which kicks off today for the former Newcastle left-back. Pearce had been very public about his frustration that the pair had effectively been sold out from under him, but he will at least have a significant transfer boost for the new season without losing his star prospects. And if the pair help his side gain promotion, he will surely have very little to complain about. Lascelles is a very highly rated centre-back, who could well have gone straight into the first-team picture this year, given Newcastle's lack of good options in that position, and Darlow will challenge Tim Krul and Rob Elliot for the number one jersey in a year's time. Quite whether that means Newcastle are anticipating losing Tim Krul remains to be seen, but it is expected that Lascelles will form part of a new look central defence when he arrives. Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor are now in their last years at the club and rumours persist that Mapou Yanga Mbiwa is on his way out - with Celtic's Virgil Van Dijk mooted as his replacement before the Scottish champions were reinstated to the Champions League. No matter what happens between now and next May, it seems likely that there will be further personnel changes. Are you happy with these signings? Share your thoughts below.
