'Everybody knows the history': Jamal Lewis on the attraction of playing for Newcastle United

Lewis joined the club this month in a £15million deal from Norwich City – and impressed on his debut last weekend.

The 22-year-old caught the eye in Newcastle’s 2-0 win over West Ham United at the London Stadium – and he’ll play against Brighton and Hove Albion at St James’s Park tomorrow.

Lewis, also target for Premier League champions Liverpool in the summer, was quickly sold on a move to United.

"Once I heard Newcastle were in, it was a no-brainer,” said the left-back. "You leave it to the clubs to sort their side of things, but once I heard, I wanted to be a Newcastle player. There was no decision to be made.

"I think everybody knows the history of Newcastle. Newcastle have been through ups and downs, but the history runs through the league. Everybody knows that Newcastle are a team you associate with the Premier League's history – and everybody knows these are the core things that will attract any player.

"In the last couple of years, the way they’ve been, you can see they have ambition to move up the table, and bring the club back to where it should be. It attracted me to be part of the project, and have some success.”

Head coach Steve Bruce – who says the club still has the “wow” factor – made it clear to Lewis how much he wanted him to sign for the club.

"I just had a feeling that the manager really wanted me in – it's something you want,” said Lewis.