Newcastle sign Townsend from Tottenham; Sunderland get defender Kone

Newcastle United have completed the signing of Andros Townsend from Tottenham Hotspur on a five-and-a-half-year deal, the Premier League clubs said on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old winger was a regular in the England squad last season, but has made just seven appearances for Spurs in all competitions this campaign and has not started a Premier League game.

He has signed for an undisclosed fee, although British media reported the deal to be worth around 12 million pounds ($17.10 million).

"As soon as I heard Newcastle were interested in me, there was only one place I wanted to go so I can't wait to get started," Townsend told the Newcastle website (www.nufc.co.uk)

Townsend's future at Tottenham was thrown into doubt in November when he was suspended for two weeks after clashing with fitness coach Nathan Gardiner. The winger has been training with Tottenham's under-21s since then.

Townsend becomes Newcastle's third signing of the transfer window after midfielders Henri Saivet and Jonjo Shelvey.

"Bringing Andros to the club is a great signing," Newcastle manager Steve McClaren said.

"He is a very good talent who is a current England international and should be one for years to come too."

Sunderland sign defender Kone

Sunderland have signed central defender Lamine Kone from FC Lorient on a four-and-a-half-year contract, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old Ivory Coast international played over 100 games for French Ligue 1 team Lorient.

Sunderland are second-bottom of the Premier League, four points adrift of safety, and have conceded 46 league goals this season, more than any other team in the top flight.

Swiss defender Senderos leaves Aston Villa

Switzerland central defender Philippe Senderos has left Aston Villa by mutual consent, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old former Arsenal, Fulham and Valencia player made eight league appearances for Villa after joining them in 2014.

"Aston Villa and Philippe Senderos have mutually agreed to terminate the defender's contract," Villa said in a statement on their website.

Villa are six points adrift at the bottom of the Premier League.

Senderos has played 54 times for Switzerland and represented his country in three World Cups.