Cambridge United complete signing of Newcastle United defender Kelland Watts on two-year contract

Cambridge United have kicked off their summer transfer business with the addition of defender Kelland Watts from Premier League side Newcastle United on a two-year deal.

The 24-year-old is a product of the Magpies’ academy and he made one top flight appearance – coming on as a substitute during a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at St James’ Park in July 2020.

The former England youth international also has a wealth of EFL experience having made more than 100 appearances during loan stints at Stevenage, Mansfield Town, Plymouth Argyle, Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United.

And Watts will now ‘make the next step’ in his career at the Cledara Abbey Stadium, with his arrival set to be rubber stamped following the expiration of his Newcastle contract later this month.

Watts, who was part of the Wigan squad that won the Sky Bet League One title in 2021/22, said: “I am buzzing to join.

“It’s time for me to make the next step in my career and from everything I’ve heard and learned about Cambridge United, I am convinced that this is the right place for me. It's a big challenge for me but one I am ready for.

“The gaffer has some great plans in place and I can’t wait to hit the ground running and join up with the rest of the boys for pre-season.”

U’s head coach Garry Monk added: “I am really pleased to welcome Kell to the club. He is a great character, a fantastic footballer and he will add a lot of quality and competition to the team.

“I am looking forward to working with him and I am sure our supporters will offer him a warm welcome as he begins a new chapter in his career.”

News of Watts’ arrival has come on the back of Glenn McConnell, Elias Kachunga and Mamadou Jobe all signing new contracts with the club. Goalkeeper Will Mannion, meanwhile, recently turned down the offer of a new deal and has since joined fellow third tier side Charlton Athletic.