Cambridge sign former Newcastle defender Watts

Image source, Cambridge United FC

Image caption, Kell Watts has had loan spells with five clubs during his career

Cambridge United have signed former Newcastle defender Kell Watts on a two-year contract.

The 24-year-old centre-back made a single Premier League appearance for the Magpies, as a second-half substitute in a 3-1 defeat by Liverpool in 2020.

He spent last season on loan in League One with Wigan Athletic, playing 19 games, including a 2-1 home win over Cambridge in September.

"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," he said.

Watts is no stranger to Cambridgeshire, having played on loan at Peterborough United during the 2022-23 season, and is the first signing by the U's in the summer transfer window.

"He is a great character, a fantastic footballer and he will add a lot of quality and competition to the team," said head coach Garry Monk.