Milner Set To Pen New Magpies Deal

He was Aaron Lennon before Aaron Lennon was cool.

Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has received a double boost with James Milner ready to commit his future to the club.

Geremi's free transfer from Chelsea was officially completed on Friday when he was granted a work permit after agreeing a three-year deal earlier this week.

The news marks a remarkable turnaround for the player, who was within hours of completing a permanent move to Aston Villa last summer.

Milner was actually at Villa Park when the Magpies' bid to sign Mark Viduka from Middlesbrough fell through and scuppered the transfer.

Ironically, the two men will be in the same team next season after the Leeds-born midfielder proved himself a valuable asset to then-manager Glenn Roeder during an intensely difficult campaign.

Three cheers (and five years) for BFJM! NUFC's side is coming together, and if they would just move Owen and Martins, they would realize my dream of a Duff-Viduka-Milner front line. Now we see how it would work with Butt-Barton-Geremi in the midfield, and defenders to be named later. Like a cheaper version of Chelsea, or a more expensive version of Bolton.

Geremi Set For ST James' Switch

Tastefully named. Oddly spelled.

Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce is closing in on a deal to take Chelsea utility man Geremi to St James' Park.

It is understood the Magpies are hopeful of securing the 28-year-old Cameroon international on a Bosman free transfer as he approaches the end of his four-year deal at Stamford Bridge.

Geremi, who spent a season on loan at Middlesbrough from Real Madrid earlier in his career, made 23 starts and five substitute appearances for the Blues last season.

However, with Paulo Ferreira and Lassana Diarra competing for the right-back spot and Jose Mourinho boasting an embarrassment of riches in midfield, his future chances look limited.

Ironically, the right-back spot is one in which they have cover, although midfielder Nolberto Solano was used as an emergency defender in that position last season when Stephen Carr was either injured or having to play on the left.

However, Geremi's versatility could prove invaluable as Allardyce re-shapes his squad.

Can't say I get this signing unless Big Sam is going to convert Geremi into a central midfielder, or use him as cover across the pitch. Unless he thinks he can convert Carr into a left-back. Curious, but not impossible.