Newcastle sign England defender Stokes

Championship side Newcastle United have signed England defender Demi Stokes on a free transfer.

The 32-year-old's contract with Manchester City ran out at the end of the season following nine years with the club.

The length of her deal with Newcastle has not been announced.

Stokes, who has won 69 England caps, was part of squad that won the 2022 European Championships.

"I am thrilled to be joining Newcastle United and returning home to the North East," she said.

"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."

Born in Dudley, Stokes moved to the North East as a child and came through the academy at Sunderland.

Manager Becky Langley said: "Demi is one of the best defenders in the country. "She's an incredibly humble girl as well as being an ambitious, driven northerner."

At City, Stokes won the Women's Super League in 2016, three FA Cups and four League Cups as well as making more than 200 appearances.

She has not featured for England since 2022.

Newcastle were promoted to the Championship last season after the players went full-time in June 2023.