Bruno Guimaraes' agent has explained why he chose to join Newcastle in January.

Part of the motivation behind Bruno's decision to choose Newcastle, rather than wait for Real Madrid or Juventus, includes a tilt at the top four next term.

Alexis Malalvolta, speaking to Tuttosport, said: "He has always been very motivated to accept challenges, he never backs down. "Bruno is delighted with the choice made; he feels good.

"His goal was clear from the start: to help the team get out of the relegation zone and take them to the Champions League next season. And, why not, try to win the Premier League.

"He has already made it clear in his interviews that he went to Newcastle to be a legend like Alan Shearer. He wants to leave his name in the history of the club."

In recent days it has emerged that Real Madrid were keen on Bruno and his agent has now confirmed interest from Juve in Serie A.

He said: "Yes, there were really some contacts with Juventus. I can confirm that. January is a quick window to enter into negotiations, we couldn't go too long.

"We had to wait until halfway through the month to see some concrete movements. And Newcastle arrived, who got serious. Bruno couldn't wait another six months to decide his future in the World Cup year.

"In 2020, in the first window following the pandemic, we asked to see if he could leave. Bruno had just arrived at Lyon, Juve were already interested, but the hypothesis of a loan with option to buy was excluded.

"The former director Juninho told me, stating that the president would sell him only in the face of an offer of €70m. Something very difficult in a world crisis."