Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa admits he shunned other offers to link up with Newcastle

The highly-rated centre-half has joined the growing ranks of French talent at St James' Park, with a move from Montpellier wrapped up on Tuesday.

As an international performer and Ligue 1 title winner, there was no shortage of interest in Yanga-Mbiwa heading into the winter transfer window.

He concedes that he could have tried his luck elsewhere, but believes Newcastle will provide him with the perfect platform on which to shine in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old defender said: "There were other offers, but it was Newcastle who showed the greatest interest in signing me.

"The fact there are so many French people here, and the fact the club showed their willingness to really support me and help me settle, was very important."

Yanga-Mbiwa also believes that he has joined a club looking upwards, rather than over their shoulder.

Despite linking up with Newcastle with the club languishing just two points above the relegation z one, he added: "I don't have any ideas or thoughts about relegation in my head. I believe that is not going to happen.

"I know where we are, I know our position in the league and it's not where this club should be. So it is a big challenge and we must move as fast as we can out of the relegation zone.

"I want us to be in a good position in the league and why not reach the Champions League as well and have some success in the Europa League."