Newcastle United have completed the signing of defender Dan Burn from Brighton & Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee.

The 29-year-old has put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year contract and he becomes Eddie Howe's fifth addition of the January transfer window.

After being released by the Magpies at the age of 11, the 6ft 7in Blyth-born centre-back has now returned to his boyhood club, ending his three-and-a-half-year association with the Seagulls.

Speaking of his delight in moving to Newcastle, Burn told the club's official website: "I'm buzzing to be here. I never thought I'd be in this position so to be a Newcastle player and to be around St James' Park, it's something I've dreamt of since I was a kid.

"I can't wait to step out in the shirt and to see what it feels like. From sitting in the East Stand as a kid to now, it's crazy. I'm excited to get started."

Howe added: "I'm delighted to bring Dan back to the North East. He knows exactly what it means to represent this club and he will be a big presence for us on and off the pitch.

"We have been very keen to add competition defensively and Dan fits the profile we have been looking for. He is naturally left-footed, which provides further balance to our backline, and he will be a great addition to the group."

Burn, who made a total of 85 appearances across all competitions for Brighton, joins Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes, and Matt Targett in signing for the Magpies. body check tags ::