Toon Win Race For England Ace

"I'm delighted to be joining Newcastle," Parker said jubilantly. "As soon as Chelsea made it clear they were prepared to let me leave. I was very impressed by the manager (Graeme Souness), he was a major factor behind my decision to come here." The fee for the midfielder is believed to be £6.5m, with wages being around £45,000 per week.

The midfield star was unveiled at a packed press conference.

Parker joined Chelsea for £10m from Charlton Athletic in January 2004 but failed to win a regular first-team place at Stamford Bridge.

The Londoner, who has won two England caps, made only irregular appearances last season before sustaining a broken bone in his foot in December which ruled him out of the rest of the campaign. However, Parker's move to St James' Park will provide a welcome boost for the Magpies after a disappointing season.

Parker is almost certain to become a first choice player, providing that the Lambeth born midfielder doesn’t refuse the captaincy, to play on the left and manages to stay clear of Bowyer.