NEWCASTLE United match-winner Ayoze Perez hopes he can emulate former striker Loic Remy and be a success on Tyneside after revealing he had offers from Real Madrid and Barcelona before moving to St James’ Park.

Perez scored his first competitive goal for the Magpies on Sunday with his second half header earning Alan Pardew’s side a vital win at White Hart Lane.

The 21-year-old was handed his first start in north London after Papiss Cisse and Emmanuel Riviere were ruled out through injury, and the youngster could start tomorrow night’s Capital One Cup fourth round tie at Manchester City.

Perez was signed from Spanish second division side Tenerife in the summer primarily as a prospect for the future, but his performances in training and pre-season have seen him become a regular in Pardew’s matchday squads.

He has even moved ahead of the Adam Armstrong and Facundo Ferreyra in the pecking order, and he turned in an impressive all-round display on his first competitive start.

The Spain Under-21 international wasn’t short of offers in the summer after scoring 16 goals for Tenerife last term and he revealed two of his homeland’s biggest club’s were interested in signing him.

“Yes, there was interest from those clubs [Barcelona and Real Madrid,” said Perez.

“The truth is that the Newcastle bid was quite surprising because firstly there were other teams interested.

“But they pushed very hard to get me. I feel they really valued me. We had to consider the different options and I finally decided to come to Newcastle.

“I have always loved the Premier League but the main reason to come here was how Newcastle valued myself. I felt very appreciated by the club and that was the reason which made me opt to come here.”

Perez was one of three forwards to arrive at the club in the summer as Newcastle looked to replace Loic Remy, who signed for Chelsea in the summer after starring on loan for the Magpies last season.

While he is still finding his feet in the Premier League there is an excitement surrounding Perez’s potential, but when asked whether he could be a long-term replacement for the France striker he said: "I don't think it is appropriate to compare me with him.

“We have different qualities and everyone does his own job. But what I hope is to thrive at this great club.

“Every time I play, I tried to give the most of me. I'm preparing to be ready to play and then the coach decides.

“It was incredible to score my first goal for Newcastle. Everything went well. I cannot ask for more. I am very happy for the goal but especially for the team's victory. The manager has congratulated me for it.

“In the first half we were not good, but we managed to fix a couple of details at half-time and we changed the game completely in the second half.”

Pardew confirmed he will be without Cisse and Cheick Tiote for the games against Manchester City and Liverpool. The pair missed Sunday’s game with knee and leg injuries respectively.