Peterborough: Burnley keeper Will Norris signs as Newcastle defender Kell Watts extends loan

Will Norris has so far played three times in three seasons at Burnley

Peterborough United have signed keeper Will Norris on loan from Championship leaders Burnley, as well as extending Newcastle United defender Kell Watts' loan until the end of the season.

Former Cambridge United keeper Norris, 29, has made just three appearances since being signed by Sean Dyche for Burnley in August 2020.

Newcastle defender Watts, 23, joined Posh in September.

He has made 11 appearances this season, including starts in the last five.

The pair become the first two signings for Darren Ferguson since his appointment for a fourth spell as manager earlier this week.

He returned on Wednesday in the wake of the sacking of Grant McCann.

"Will has bags of experience," said Ferguson. "That is first and foremost. I just felt that we needed more experience in a vital position. It is no slight on anyone else. It can't be. I have only been here two days.

"Will is a good size, has a massive kick if we need to go long, and has played at this level before. He will bring a calmness, he will bring organisation and be more equipped for what we are going into, the second half of the season, the business end.

Kell Watts has had loan spells with five different clubs since signing with Newcastle United in 2018

"I know Kell from his time at Wigan Athletic at this level.

"He provides good balance on the left-hand side so I am pleased that we have been able to confirm an extension for him until the end of the season."

Posh, looking for an immediate return to the Championship, are eighth in League One.

They are without a game this week as they were knocked out of the FA Cup at the second round stage at Shrewsbury in November.

Ferguson's first game back in charge - and his 518th in total - is expected to be at Port Vale on Monday, 16 January.

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