Shrewsbury Town sign Newcastle United winger Alex Gilliead on permanent deal

The 22-year-old joins on a free transfer after leaving the St James' Park club he had been with since aged 15. He had offers to join other clubs, including Championship outfits, according to Town boss John Askey.

Gilliead, who has previously impressed on loans with Bradford, Luton and Carlisle, becomes Askey's fourth signing of the summer with Shrewsbury.

He played for Bradford twice against Town last season as the Bantams were the only side Shrews failed to beat in League One.

Askey, who is a fan of wide players, is delighted to have acquired an exciting winger who looks to beat players and get crosses in.

He said: "He's one who I hope will excite the crowd. He will get on the ball, beat people, he's quick and somebody the club's been looking at for quite a while and other clubs have too.

"I know that there was one or two clubs in for him in League One and also the Championship. It's really good because he wants to play games.

"I think people will be pleased with the signing, if they watch clips of him they'll realise what he can do.

"I don't think there's anything better than seeing a wide man go past people and get crosses in.

"All teams need players who can go past men. We haven't got loads of players who can do that so it was important to bring someone in who could.

"He's got pace and the ability to go either way. With the players we've got I'm sure he'll fit in well."

Gilliead netted twice in 48 appearances in all competitions last season but is keen to boost both his goals and assist figures after securing a first permanent move.

Askey is not looking to bring in any more wingers with Gilliead adding to Shaun Whalley, Abo Eisa and Arthur Gnahoua in wide areas.

The boss said: "We're spoiled for choice in some ways. We're lucky that the players we have can mostly play on either wing.

"You're looking for people who are hungry, who want to play and go on to the next level. That's what we've got with Alex."

Askey was impressed with the fact that Gilliead, who hails from the north-east, has already made 94 Football League appearances while on loan from boyhood side Newcastle.

"We're looking for people to improve us and Alex can do that," the Town boss continued. "He's got quality, a good record of appearances for a lad of his age.

"It's a good time to get him.

"You're looking at lads, their ages and how many games they've played. It doesn't always go but over years that's what I've tried to look at. "