‘Really happy’ Amar Dedic completes £29.5m move from Benfica to Newcastle

Right-back worked with Matthias Jaissle at RB Salzburg

Sunderland to announce signing of Dayann Methalie

The chance to be reunited with Matthias Jaissle convinced Amar Dedic to swap Benfica for Newcastle in a £29.5m transfer. Dedic becomes Newcastle’s sixth signing of a turbulent summer on Tyneside and the 24-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international is likely to start at right-back at home to Liverpool on Sunday.

“Working with Matthias again was a big factor for me,” said Dedic who previously played for Newcastle’s new manager at RB Salzburg. “We know each other well; he knows what I can bring to the pitch and I’m really happy to play for him again. It’s a special feeling and a real honour to join Newcastle.”

With Tino Livramento still recovering from a calf injury, Newcastle’s lack of senior right-backs has been highlighted in pre-season and, soon after replacing Eddie Howe earlier this month, Jaissle advised club executives that Dedic could fill the void. It helps that a defender also comfortable at left-back understands the German’s playing philosophy.

Sunderland, meanwhile, are set to announce the acquisition of a new left-back on Tuesday after fending off competition from Roma and Newcastle to sign the 20-year-old Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie for £25.6m.

The France Under-21 international made 28 Ligue One appearances last season and will compete with Reinildo for a place in Regis Le Bris’s team. Methalie, who has signed a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light, is also comfortable operating as a left-sided central defender or at wing back.