NEWCASTLE United defender Jamal Lewis has joined Watford on loan for the entirety of the coming season - with the Hornets having the option to then make the switch permanent.

The 25-year-old makes the move having made just 36 appearances in three years for the Magpies.

Although Lewis has struggled to find his best form on Tyneside, he previously impressed for Norwich City in the Championship and the Northern Ireland international will be hoping to play regularly and get his career back on track at Vicarage Road.

He could make his competitive debut when Watford face QPR on the opening weekend of the Championship season.

Lewis looks set to be joined in the Championship by Karl Darlow, who was scheduled to have his Leeds United medical on Thursday and is set to complete a permanent move to Elland Road.

There'll be more Newcastle exits to follow with Garang Kuol having held talks with Dutch Eredivisie team FC Volendam and Swansea City showing an interest in Harrison Ashby.

Allan Saint-Maximin will also complete his move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli.