Newcastle United have revealed Republic of Ireland star Damien Duff after having secured the transfer of the talented winger from Chelsea for £5 million (€7million).

Duff moved to Chelsea from Blackburn for £17million (€24million) in 2003, and still had a year left on his contract with the Premiership champions, but with the transfer of Germany captain Michael Ballack, Duff’s place in the first-team is severely under threat, with Duff often relegated to the bench by Blues chief Jose Mourinho and was linked with Tottenham and Liverpool as well as Newcastle

It had been widely reported that a fee of £10 million (€14million) would prise him away from Stamford Bridge, but Newcastle confirmed in a statement to the Stock Exchange that they had landed a player who cost Chelsea £17 million when they signed him from Blackburn for just £5 million (€7million).

“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 £5 million," read the statement.

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

Duff was unveiled as a Magpie player at a press conference at St. James’ Park on Monday, with the Ireland international saying: “I played here before, I know what the fans are like, they are special; and they gave me a great welcome.

“It’s probably the most special place to play in England. The fans are unbelievable and it’s a massive, massive club.”

Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder has said that Duff is the first of many signings this summer, with Newcastle now assured of a place in the UEFA Cup next season.

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