LONDON: Managerless Newcastle announced the signing of Czech goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from Portuguese side Braga on Monday. Hornicek has agreed a five-year deal after the Magpies activated his 30-million-euro (£25.7 million, $34.6 million) release clause, and he becomes the club’s fifth signing of the summer. “The last few days have been an emotional rollercoaster from when I first heard about the move and now I’m so happy to be here,” said the 24-year-old, who is expected to supplant Nick Pope as first-choice goalkeeper. “I know Newcastle is a huge football city, with 52,000 fans at St. James’ Park creating an incredible atmosphere and pushing the team every game.