Kieran Trippier insists he joined Newcastle for the project and not for financial reasons

Kieran Trippier says money was not the motivating factor in his decision to swap Spanish champions Atletico Madrid for Newcastle.

The England defender completed his £12million move yesterday and, while he will become the club’s highest earner, sources say his salary is not in excess of £100,000-per-week.

Tripper, 31, has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal on Tyneside after informing Atletico in the summer of his desire to return to England for family reasons.

He said: ‘Players who have played with me and managers I’ve worked with, they know what type of character I am. I will fight for the shirt and I love a challenge.

‘I came here for the project, everything about it. There was other interest but I didn’t think twice about joining Newcastle.

'If people want to say it’s about money, they’re entitled to do so. But I know my reasons why - and money isn’t one of them.'

Eddie Howe has made it clear to the club’s owners he wants to maintain a harmonious dressing-room, and a sensible wage structure is key. Everton’s Lucas Digne is said to be asking for £200k-per-week and is no longer thought to be a Newcastle target.

Howe, meanwhile, believes the capture of a current England international as the first signing of the Saudi-led regime will send a message to other targets.

‘It is a sign that the club has a huge pull,’ he said. ‘I’m not talking financially, either. Kieran hasn’t come for financial benefits.

‘He has come for the club and the longer-term vision. Hopefully other players from around the world will look at that and share his dream and vision.