Jamal Lewis maintains Liverpool motivation after securing Newcastle transfer

Jamal Lewis is still using Liverpool as motivation after completing a £15million move to Newcastle United.

The left-back was the subject of a £10m bid from Liverpool last month as Jurgen Klopp targeted back-up for Andy Robertson.

Lewis was believed to have his heart set on a move to Anfield, but he missed out after Norwich rejected the bid, with the Premier League champions instead signing Konstantinos Tsimikas from Olympiakos for £11.75m.

And after arriving at Newcastle, Lewis made it clear that he feels Liverpool set the benchmark when asked which full-backs he admires.

“There are great examples – the two would be from Liverpool, Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold,” the 22-year-old told NUFC.

“They are really setting the standard right now with how they play and the aggression and enthusiasm to get forward.

“You see how vital they are for their team. It has helped to highlight how important they are. They are really setting the standards.”

Norwich reportedly wanted double what Liverpool were offering for Lewis, and with the Reds not wanting to pay over the odds, they signed first-choice Greece international Tsimikas instead.

The sale of Lewis for £5m more than what the title-winners originally offered will raise over whether Liverpool should have stuck to their pursuit of the Northern Ireland international – and that may become clearer as the new season progresses.

Tsimikas, 24, started his career with Olympiakos, undertaking loans in Denmark and Holland before cementing his place for the Greek club.

He made 43 appearances for his side in all competitions last season – including Europa League ties against Wolves and Arsenal – helping Olympiakos romp to the domestic title in similar dominant fashion to Liverpool.

Klopp needed specialist back-up for Robertson, having relied on the versatile James Milner to cover his first-choice left-back in the past.

Should Liverpool have stuck to their pursuit of Jamal Lewis? Have your say in the comments below

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Robertson joined Liverpool from Hull City for just £8m three years ago.

Like Alexander-Arnold, under the manager’s tutelage he has blossomed into one of the world’s best full-backs and a crucial part of Liverpool’s fast-paced attack.