Magpies close to Geremi deal

Chelsea utility man Geremi is expected to become Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce’s fourth summer signing later today.

The 28-year-old Cameroon international is understood to have agreed a three-year deal to secure a £2m switch to St James’ Park.

He will follow Mark Viduka, Joey Barton and David Rozehnal to Tyneside as Allardyce moves swiftly to rebuild the squad he inherited from Glenn Roeder.

The former Real Madrid star, who spent a season on loan at Middlesbrough before heading for Stamford Bridge, made 28 appearances for the Blues last season, but has struggled to hold down a regular place.

Allardyce, who was linked with moves for fellow Blues Wayne Bridge and Lassana Diarra over the weekend, has turned his attention to his rearguard in recent weeks.

The chairman’s son, Kenneth Shepherd, is due to speak to Barcelona today over Edmilson’s proposed transfer to Newcastle.

Having been given permission to talk to the player on Thursday, the Magpies flew out to Catalonia and received an encouraging response from the 30-year-old Brazil international, who is currently recuperating from knee surgery.

However, while his recruitment was their main focus, they also took the opportunity to enquire about the possible availability of striker Eidur Gudjohnsen, and that is a matter they intend to pursue further.