NEW SIGNINGS: Double defensive swoop by Peterborough United

Tafazolli (24) is a centre-back from Mansfield and Hughes (24) a left-back from Newport County.

Tafazoli’s capture was predicted by the Peterborough Telegraph last month. Bothe he and Hughes are free transfers after falling out of contract at their clubs.

Tafazolli, who has signed a three-year deal at the ABAX Stadium, is the reigning Mansfield player-of-the-season. He has made 118 appearances and scored eight goals for his only Football League club.

Mansfield offered their star defender a new deal. It’s understood other clubs in League One and the Championship were chasing his signature.

Hughes, who has signed a two-year contract, had been at Newport for his entire career and has made 151 appearances, scoring four goals.

Hughes returned from an 11-month absence with a knee injury last November. His arrival probably lessens the chances of Callum Elder returning to the club from Leicester, although chairman Darragh MacAnthony insists another left-back will be signed before the start of the 2016-17 season.

Posh have also appointed former Nottingham Forest striker Lee Glover as assistant manager to new boss Grant McCann.

Glover (46) worked as a coach at Coventry City last season. He has also worked in a similar role for Derby.