Hornicek to Newcastle

London - AFP - Newcastle signed Czech goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from Portuguese club Sporting Braga on Monday, according to an announcement by the club, which is still searching for a new manager following the departure of Eddie Howe.

Hornicek agreed to a five-year deal after Magpies exercised the purchase option in his contract with Braga, valued at 25.7 million pounds sterling ($34.6 million US dollars), making him the club’s fifth signing of the summer.

The 24-year-old, expected to replace Nick Pope as Newcastle’s starting goalkeeper, said: “The past few days have been an emotional whirlwind when I first heard about the possibility of the deal, and I am now happy to be here.”

He added: “I know that Newcastle is a city that lives and breathes football, where 52,000 fans at St James’ Park create an amazing atmosphere and push the team forward in every match. I am eager to play in front of them (the fans).”

Newcastle’s sporting director, Ross Wilson, said Hornicek “has proven himself strongly as one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe.”

Eddie Howe left his position as Newcastle manager last week after five years at the club.

The Magpies struggled last season, finishing 12th in the English Premier League, before enduring a difficult summer transfer window.