NEWCASTLE United's summer and pre-season is already taking shape, with the Magpies set for a trip to the United States where'll face some of their Premier League rivals.

Newcastle have been confirmed in the line-up for the inaugural Premier League Summer Series in July, with games taking place across the East coast of the United States.

Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton, Chelsea and Fulham are also in the summer competition, with Newcastle set to play in Philadelphia, Atlanta and New Jersey.

Head coach Eddie Howe said: "We look forward to taking the squad to the United States as part of the Premier League Summer Series.

"We know the quality of opposition will be strong, and the matches will be highly competitive as we prepare for next season.

"It's also a great opportunity to be close to our amazing fans in North America. We are blessed to have incredible support wherever we go, and we look forward to the opportunity to play in front of them at three great stadiums."

Newcastle will kick off the trip with a game against Aston Villa at Lincoln Financial Field, in Philadelphia, on Sunday, July 23. They then face Chelsea on Wednesday, July 26 at the Mercedez-Benz Stadium, in Atlanta, before rounding off the trip with a game against Brighton in the Red Bull Arena, New Jersey, on Friday, July 28.

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: "We are delighted to be bringing six clubs to the USA in July for the first ever Premier League Summer Series tournament.

"Our clubs have incredible supporters in the US, who passionately follow their teams throughout the season. We have seen this dedication first-hand from the tens of thousands who have attended our Mornings Live fan events and are excited to be building on this by bringing live Premier League action to five cities this summer.

"We are currently enjoying one of the most competitive Premier League seasons of all time at both ends of the table and I am sure we will see some thrilling matches during the tournament."

Tickets for the games will be available for pre-sale on Tuesday, April 25 and go on general sale on Wednesday, April 26. Fans can register their interest now via www.premierleague.com/summerseries.