Newcastle United defender Davide Santon has revealed that Roma expressed an interest in signing him earlier this summer.

Italian full-back Santon told calciometro: "AS Roma wanted me but Newcastle replied that I was not for sale and I am glad of this."

The 21-year-old has committed his future to Newcastle and expects the club to challenge for Champions League qualification this season.

He said: "I think we can fight for a place in the next Champions League, it's hard but we can do it.

"I am good here now I know what the coach wants and I'm ready to play a great season."

Santon will hope to make Alan Pardew's starting lineup for the Magpies' opening Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on August 18.