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Islam Slimani has promised to deliver the goals Newcastle United need in order to secure Premier League survival this season.

The Leicester City striker joined the Magpies on loan until the end of the season on deadline day.

An Algeria international, the 29-year-old has started just seven games in all competitions for the Foxes this season - but has netted an impressive five times.

“I think I’m a goal-scorer. That is what this team needs - it needs more goals, and that is what I’ll try to do in my time here; score as many goals as I possibly can,” Slimani told nufcTV when asked what qualities he thought he would bring to the Newcastle side.

“Competition exists in any team you play for and having good, healthy competition is great for the team and also for the players individually, so I think it’ll be a good thing for me and the club.

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“They key thing here is staying up and fighting for the team - and that’s exactly what I want to do.

“My objective is to make this team better, fight to remain in the Premier League. That’s what I joined this club for.”

West Ham United and Monaco were among a host of European clubs chasing Slimani’s signature during the January window, but Newcastle won the race for the forward.

And the striker admits that Rafa Benitez’s presence in the dugout at St James’ Park, Newcastle’s historic status in English football - and also the cult film ‘Goal’ - all helped convince him that United were the right club for him.

“It’s a great thing for me - and for Newcastle,” Slimani added.

“I’m happy to be here and hopefully I’m going to be able to come here and give them a hand.

“The last 24 hours were complicated but I think I’ve made the right choice. It’s a big club and I’m definitely happy with my choice.

“It’s true that there were a lot of clubs that were interested in me but, knowing the power of the fans and the crowd here, and how great they are - and also speaking to the manager - it gave me the confidence to know that this was the right choice.

“Rafa Benitez is a big coach with a great reputation, so him calling me and having him behind me here had a big impact on my choice.

“Newcastle’s an historic club so I’ve known about it from a very young age.

“When I was young, the film ‘Goal’ was around - but, more importantly, there were legendary players like Alan Shearer.

“It was obvious for me how big a club it was. I know the atmosphere inside the club and how much the fans love this club, and that played a big role in my decision to come here.”