Toon confirm Duff bought for bargain £5m

It has been revealed that Newcastle United landed Irish international Damien Duff for a cut-price fee of just £5m (€7.34m).

Duff’s capture for such represents superb value for the Magpies, particularly as Chelsea paid Blackburn £17m (€24.95m) for the player’s services three years ago.

The club’s statement to the London Stock Exchange confirmed: “The directors of Newcastle United PLC are pleased to announce that Damien Duff passed his medical and his transfer from Chelsea has been completed for a fee of £5m.

“The player has agreed personal terms and signed a five-year contract ending in June 2011.”

The 27-year-old was tipped for a move away from Stamford Bridge in a bid for regular first-team football, with Tottenham initially linked with a move for £10m (€14.68m).

Duff has admitted that he chose St James’ Park because of the virtual guarantee of a regular starting place.

While he will not be playing in the Champions League, he will feature in the UEFA Cup as the Magpies saw off Lillestrom of Norway in the Intertoto Cup to go into Friday’s draw for the UEFA Cup second qualifying round.

With Alan Shearer retired and Michael Owen out injured for several months, Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder is desperate to strengthen his forward line ahead of the new season.

He has not ruled out making a move for Miroslav Klose – but fears the World Cup Golden Shoe winner may not be tempted by the Magpies.

Apart from Klose, West Ham’s Dean Ashton and Holland international Dirk Kuyt have also been linked with Newcastle.

Roeder is a fan of Werder Bremen star Klose, who scored five goals as Germany claimed third place in the World Cup.

“Miroslav Klose is a top-drawer player, the leading scorer at the World Cup finals,” said Roeder in the Newcastle Journal.

“I think I will say what the chairman says, that I’m not ruling anyone in or out.”

However, Roeder added: “Klose could possibly be looking for a Champions League club after winning the Golden Shoe.

“We perhaps don’t fit his remit if he were to move. But you can’t help but admire his ability.”