Florian Lejeune admits it was an easy decision to sign for Newcastle United and have the chance to work with manager Rafa Benitez.

The Eibar defender had been linked with a move to St James' Park last week and on Tuesday morning it was confirmed the Paris-born centre-half had put pen to paper on a five-year deal.

Lejeune says he is looking forward to playing in the Premier League and admitted he never had any doubts about a move to Newcastle when he heard former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss Benitez was keen on a deal.

"I’m very happy to have signed. Newcastle United is a big club, and I’m very happy to be here," he told the club's official website.

"When you have a manager like Rafa Benitez who wants you, you are very happy to come. Since I’ve been in touch with the manager, it was an easy decision for me to come here."

Meanwhile Benitez was pleased to get a deal over the line and is looking forward to having the 26-year-old on board.

"I would like to welcome Florian to Newcastle United. He is a player that has done very well this year in Spain. I have known about him for a while, since he began playing for Villarreal," he said.

"He has progressed a lot as a player in the last few years and I know he will give us something different at the back - he is good with both feet, he's big and he's good in the air also.

"If he settles well into English football then I am sure he will be a success and will give us a lot of competition in this area."