NEWCASTLE UNITED WOMEN have completed the signing of England international Demi Stokes from Manchester City.

The 69-time capped defender makes the move to the North East following the expiration of her contract with Manchester City after spending nine years with the club.

During that time, the North-Easterner helped City claim nine major honours, including the Women’s Super League title in 2016 along with three Women’s FA Cups.

Prior to her spell in Manchester, the 32-year-old defender, who was raised in South Shields and started her career with Sunderland Ladies, spent time in North America playing for Vancouver Whitecaps.

On joining Newcastle United Women, Stokes said: “I am thrilled to be joining Newcastle United and returning home to the North-East.

“I still have so much to give on the pitch and I’m excited to bring my experience to a club with such big ambitions.

"From the moment I spoke to the club, I felt valued and knew this was the right place for me to contribute to an exciting, new project. I can’t wait to get going and meet the team.”

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Newcastle Women manager Becky Langley added: “Demi is one of the best defenders in the country and we are delighted that she is joining Newcastle United.

“She’s an incredibly humble girl as well as being an ambitious, driven northerner. We can’t wait to welcome her to the club."