Langley's Lasses make another surprise addition as Euro 2022-winning full-back joins Newcastle

Becky Langley is not messing about when it comes to Newcastle United Women's first season in the Championship.

The Newcastle boss has made her fifth signing of the summer today and arguably the most impressive yet.

After snapping up Claudia Moan from rivals Sunderland yesterday, today Langley has added one of England's Lionesses to the ranks.

32-year-old Demi Stokes who played 69 times for England has joined the Magpies after leaving Manchester City after nine years.

Stokes is familiar with life in the North East

Stokes learned her craft on the books at Sunderland before heading to the USA to play for the South Florida Bulls at college level and then Vancouver Whitecaps where she impressed enough to be selected for the Lionesses.

Moving back to the UK in 2015, Stokes joined Manchester City where she played in the WSL until her contract expired, and now she's told newcastleunited.com that she is thrilled to be back in the North East.

"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.

"I can't wait to get going and meet the team."

It seems Newcastle don't want to hang around in the Championship too long

Stokes' experience having won the Women's European Championship with England as well as three FA Cups, three FA WSL Cups and one WSL title with Man City, will be vital as Langley's Lasses take on the Championship next season, but with the signings Langley is making, it feels like she doesn't intend to hang around in that league for too long.

Could they be on for back-to-back promotions?

Langley also spoke to the official site about Stokes' move calling her one of the best defenders in the country.

"Demi is one of the best defenders in the country and we are delighted that she is joining Newcastle United.

"She's an incredibly humble girl as well as being an ambitious, driven northerner. We can't wait to welcome her to the club."