Eddie Howe has admitted there was 'always a fear' that Bruno Guimaraes' move to Newcastle United might not happen because there was 'talk' of other clubs being interested in the Brazil international.
Newcastle agreed a deal worth potentially more than £42m with Lyon last month for the midfielder, who had previously attracted interest from Juventus and Arsenal.
Although Newcastle are currently a point from safety, tellingly, Guimaraes was prepared to swap life at Lyon for an immediate relegation battle with the Magpies rather than opting to reassess his options in the summer.
Go here for all the latest Newcastle United news
However Howe was not certain the transfer would go through until the 24-year-old put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half year deal.
"Until the player has signed the contract, and the deal is done, there's always a fear that a transfer might not happen," Howe told reporters on Zoom.
"Especially in this window where there are so many twists and turns all over the place in terms of things happening at a very quick speed.
"You never know. I know there was a lot of talk of other clubs being interested in him, so we were very pleased to get that transfer done.
"I don't necessarily think it's a statement of intent, but I think it's a great thing to be able to attract a player of his quality and we're delighted he is here."
Guimaraes was one of five signings Newcastle made last month alongside Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Dan Burn and loanee Matt Targett.
Howe had to create space in his 25-man squad to accommodate the quintet and a further three players had to be omitted after Jeff Hendrick and Freddie Woodman left to join QPR and Bournemouth on loan on deadline day.
As a result, Jamal Lewis, Isaac Hayden and Ciaran Clark were all left out of the revised list of players submitted to the Premier League last week.
"I gave them a chance to go out on loan and I think that was the fairest thing to do if I can't put them in the squad," Howe said.
"It's different with Isaac because Isaac is injured and probably won't be back until sometime in April so I think that was slightly easier in the respect that he was not going to be available for a long period of time.
"With the other guys, Jamal Lewis, at the moment, is getting treatment on his groin so he's not here.
"Ciaran Clark is training with the group and his attitude has been first class. I've got no problem with him at all. Just, unfortunately, due to numbers, he missed out."
Although Lewis and Hayden were left out because of their respective injury issues, there was never any danger of that happening with Callum Wilson.
Wilson is unlikely to play again until the last few games of the season because of a calf injury, but Howe wanted to include the number nine because he felt he could still play a 'huge part'.
Similarly, while Federico Fernandez has not yet trained with the group since suffering a thigh injury in December, Howe was keen to name the veteran in his 25-man squad.
"Fede's edging closer as well," he added. "I don't see Fede being too far away. Fede is a really important person in terms of his leadership qualities of the group.
"He's a real fighter. In terms of our position currently in the league, he's a real inspirational figure around the club so I was desperate to try and keep him available for selection.
"I was desperate to try and get Ciaran in the 25 as well but, unfortunately, you do the maths and someone has to miss out.
"We signed Dan, who is a left-footer as well, we felt that gave us that option on the left-hand side.
"Difficult decisions. I love all the lads but, unfortunately, in my position, you have to make some tough calls."
We want to hear your thoughts, so LOG IN and leave your comment below
