Big Sam hopes for Geremi capture

Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce was hoping to conclude his fourth summer signing today after being given permission to open talks with Chelsea utility man Geremi.

It is understood the Blues have allowed the Magpies to meet the 28-year-old Cameroon international and that discussions have begun.

Geremi, who spent a season on loan at Middlesbrough from Real Madrid before joining Chelsea in a £7million switch in August 2003, is right-sided and can play either at the back or in midfield.

Allardyce has been concentrating on his defence since wrapping up the captures of striker Mark Viduka and midfielder Joey Barton earlier in the summer.

Newcastle finally pushed through their £2.89million swoop for Czech international David Rozehnal on Friday evening, and hope to press home their interest in Barcelona's Brazilian World Cup winner Edmilson today.

Allardyce admitted his interest in Geremi last week, although revealed he could face stiff competition for his signature.

He said: "Geremi is something we would like to pursue, but many other clubs in the Premier League will be doing exactly the same thing as Newcastle.

"Hopefully we can persuade him - if we get the opportunity - to join this football club and not the others who will be chasing him as well as us.

"It is a long way from done, but there is an interest there and hopefully we can progress it over the next few days."