JAMES Milner last night insisted that his move to Newcastle United would make him "a better player".

Milner met his new teammates for the first time yesterday as the Magpies returned to pre-season training ahead of this month's tour of Thailand and Hong Kong.

The 18-year-old became Sir Bobby Robson's first cash signing for more than 16 months when he completed a £5m move from Leeds on Friday.

Newcastle beat off interest from Tottenham to capture the verstaile attacker who is already being talked of as 'the new Wayne Rooney'.

The England Under-21 international is the youngest Premiership goalscorer of all time, and is expected to be pushing for full international honours in the not too distant future.

But, while Magpies chief Freddy Shepherd has predicted great things for the teenager, Milner feels he still has a lot to learn.

"Hopefully, I can become a better player and improve my game at Newcastle," said Milner, who has already racked up 60 senior appearances since making his full debut at West Ham in November 2002.

"For me this is a chance to stay in the Premiership and it's a new challenge.

"I am nervous because it is a new club, but I'm looking forward to settling in. What's happened is in the past now and I have to look forward.

"Newcastle is a fantastic set-up and it's a massive club, so this is a great opportunity for me."

Milner is the second homegrown star to leave Leeds since they tumbled out of the Premiership last season.

But, while Alan Smith has been roundly criticised for negotiating himself a move to Manchester United, Milner has been applauded for the way in which he has conducted himself this summer.

The youngster never expressed a desire to leave West Yorkshire but, once Newcastle had agreed a fee for his services, he jumped at the chance of staying in the top-flight.

"I want people to know that I didn't ask for a move from Leeds," said Milner. "I was hoping to talk about a new contract and was preparing for the start of the new season.

"I'd seen all the speculation, but all I've been bothered about is the football.

"As far as I was concerned, up until the end of last week I was all set to start the new season with Leeds. I'd just bought a new house and my mum and dad had paid for their season tickets at Elland Road.

"I did have mixed emotions when I was told that Leeds had accepted the offer from Newcastle because I had never said that I wanted to move anywhere.

"But as soon as Leeds told me they had agreed a deal with Newcastle I had to look forward and that meant speaking with them and moving things along."

Meanwhile, Robson is expected to turn his attentions back towards Tottenham's Stephen Carr after missing out on Greece's Georgios Seitaridis and admitting that a move for Portuguese full-back Miguel is increasingly unlikely.

Robson had identified Benfica defender Miguel as a possible transfer target before Euro 2004, but his stirring displays for the host nation have seen his price rocket in recent weeks.

The Newcastle boss named the 24-year-old in his team of the tournament last weekend but, while he would love to sign him as a replacement for the departed Andy Griffin, he admits he is likely to be out of his price range.

"Miguel has been a sensation," said Robson. "I knew he was a good player before the tournament and tipped my chairman off about him.

"Unfortunately, Benfica want double their money after his performances here."

Seitaridis has also impressed in Portugal, but European champions Porto have snapped him up to replace Chelsea-bound Paolo Ferreira.

"I can tell you Newcastle wanted to buy him," said Robson. "And I can say we have missed out on a great, great player."

Carr is about to enter the final year of his current deal and, while new Spurs boss Jacques Santini would be loath to lose him before he has seen him play, the London club can ill afford to see him depart for nothing next summer.