Matz Sels has revealed that he turned down interest from Premier League clubs to sign with Newcastle United.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper was a target for Southampton and Middlesbrough earlier this summer before opting to join the Magpies on a five-year deal from Belgian club Gent.

Sels acknowledges that top flight teams were in for him but admits the lure of playing for Rafa Benitez was too much to turn down.

"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."