Loris Karius says he's joined Newcastle United to push goalkeeper rival Nick Pope to new heghts.

Karius was a free agent following his release from Liverpool, and has spent the last three seasons on loan with Besiktas and his most recent spell at Union Berlin. The 29-year-old did not find a new club during the summer transfer window, but agreed a deal with Newcastle less than 24 hours after being told of the club's interest.

Karius told NUFC TV: "Everything happened so quick, I had to make a quick decision. But for me, it was clear that it felt good from the first moment when I had talks that I want to come here and join the team. It came out of nowhere and it's a good opportunity for me.

When pressed to explain the timeline behind Newcastle's move outside the transfer window, Karius added: "I was at my place in Berlin last night [September 7] and I got a call from my agent about talks with Newcastle about signing a goalkeeper, and if I can imagine going there. I had to be there by tomorrow to finalise everything.

"I had five or 10 minutes to make my mind up, and tell him to progress and move forward. I got my flight tickets around midnight, and left at 4.30am. It was all very crazy, but now I'm here. I'm still a little bit tired from my travels, but I'm looking forward to everything."

Karius has agreed a contract until January, with Newcastle holding an option to extend his stay until the end of the season.

Karius said: "Obviously my aim is to help first of all him [Pope] by pushing him to make good performances. But also I want to progress myself, and if there's game-time then that will be great for me.

"I want to support the other boys and to play my part in the team for us to be successful. If there's game-time, that's even better. Otherwise, I support the other boys."