Matz Sels has revealed he snubbed Premier League interest in order to join Newcastle United.
The 24-year-old shot stopper was linked to top-fight clubs Southampton and Middlesbrough, but instead opted to join Rafael Benitez at St James Park.
With Tim Krul and Rob Elliot out injured, the ?4.5m signing from Genk is expected to start in Newcastle's Championship opener against Fulham on Friday night, which airs live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7pm.
Newcastle's number one goalkeeper Tim Krul has been injured since October
"There were also a few teams from the Premier League that were interested, but Newcastle is a really big club," Sels said in an interview with the Shields Gazette.
"It's strange that they were relegated, but that's football.
"I heard about the interest from Newcastle, had a talk with Rafa Benitez and was convinced of my choice."
While Sels is looking forward to making his competitive debut in the Championship, ultimately he hopes Newcastle can re-gain their Premier League status.
With injuries to first-team goalkeepers, Sels is expected claim a starting spot in Newcastle's opener against Fulham
"It's a team that doesn't belong in the second division. Normally, it's always a Premier League team - a top club in the Premier League. I was convinced of my choice," he said.
"But I'm looking forward to Friday and the first game.
"In my career I always try to go step by step. Newcastle is a big club, so it's a good step forward for me. Hopefully, I can bring the team where it belongs."
The 24-year-old shot stopper was linked to top-fight clubs Southampton and Middlesbrough, but instead opted to join Rafael Benitez at St James Park.
With Tim Krul and Rob Elliot out injured, the ?4.5m signing from Genk is expected to start in Newcastle's Championship opener against Fulham on Friday night, which airs live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7pm.
Newcastle's number one goalkeeper Tim Krul has been injured since October
"There were also a few teams from the Premier League that were interested, but Newcastle is a really big club," Sels said in an interview with the Shields Gazette.
"It's strange that they were relegated, but that's football.
"I heard about the interest from Newcastle, had a talk with Rafa Benitez and was convinced of my choice."
While Sels is looking forward to making his competitive debut in the Championship, ultimately he hopes Newcastle can re-gain their Premier League status.
With injuries to first-team goalkeepers, Sels is expected claim a starting spot in Newcastle's opener against Fulham
"It's a team that doesn't belong in the second division. Normally, it's always a Premier League team - a top club in the Premier League. I was convinced of my choice," he said.
"But I'm looking forward to Friday and the first game.
"In my career I always try to go step by step. Newcastle is a big club, so it's a good step forward for me. Hopefully, I can bring the team where it belongs."