Callum Wilson reacts to his £20m Newcastle United move

Wilson has signed a four-year deal at St James’s Park after joining from Bournemouth.

And the striker has revealed his keenness to emulate some of his illustrious predecessors on Tyneside in his first interview as a United player.

“From the minute I knew that Newcastle were interested, it was definitely something that appealed to me,” said the 28-year-old, who travelled to the North East yesterday after Bournemouth accepted United’s bid.

“It's a massive club with great history. Along the years, they've had great strikers, so if I can emulate half of what they've done, I'd like to attempt that.

"I believe in my ability as a player. As a striker I think it's important to set yourself goals, long term and short term, and I'm hoping to achieve them.

“With the players around me, I believe we can get the goals we need as team, and I want to help contribute to that."

Newcastle United head coach Steve Bruce said: “Callum’s somebody I’ve admired for a long time, and I’m delighted to get him.

“He’s done fantastically well at Bournemouth, and was deservedly playing centre-forward for England less than two years ago.

“The club has worked ever so hard to get Callum here, and we’ve beaten off competition from a number of clubs. I’m grateful the club has made it happen. (Managing director) Lee Charnley, and those behind the scenes, deserve a lot of credit.”

Newcastle also hope to clinch the signings of free agent Ryan Fraser and Norwich City’s Jamal Lewis.