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.
Boro have repeatedly been linked with their former player this
summer, although the Teessiders have insisted they have not been in
the market for him.
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.
The manager has also been pursuing an interest in Marseille captain
Habib Beye after releasing Titus Bramble, Craig Moore, Oguchi
Onyewu and Olivier Bernard within days of his arrival at St
James'.
Geremi's arrival would see him follow the same path as Damien Duff,
who left Chelsea for Newcastle in a £5million switch last
summer.