THE LURE of the Champions' League and the chance to play under Sir Bobby Robson persuaded Hugo Viana to sign for Newcastle United.

The Portuguese wonder boy, who has joined United from Sporting Lisbon for £8.4m on a five-year deal, is excited by the prospect of lining up in Europe's premier competition.

And the 19-year-old midfielder confirmed that Robson is still held in the highest esteem in Portugal where he coached Sporting and FC Porto.

Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd and his deputy Douglas Hall flew to Libson to clinch the deal and head off the equally covetous advances of Liverpool, Juventus and Celta Vigo.

Viana, who received a late call-up to Portugal's World Cup squad, said: "How could I not sign for Newcastle? They are a big, European club and the prospect of Champions' League football is very attractive.

"And there is Bobby Robson. Everybody in Portugal knows what a gentleman he is and I'm looking forward to playing for him.

"I know all about Bobby and Alan Shearer, and even in Portugal we know just how passionate the Newcastle fans are.''

United decided to pursue Viana after making a final check on him at the European Under-21 Championships last month.

Viana admitted: "I first heard Newcastle were interested in me when I was playing in the Under-21 Championships, and I was hoping they would come in for me.

"I had only been back from the World Cup for a day when Sporting told me Newcastle were coming out to sign me.

"I only had two hours' sleep on the Wednesday night because the Newcastle chairman and his deputy just would not let go.

"They knew Liverpool wanted me and they kept the talks going right through the night.''