Bowyer heading to Newcastle

Four-year deal 
The 26-year-old former Charlton Athletic FC player left Leeds United AFC and joined West Ham United FC on a short-term contract last January. He subsequently became a free agent but has now agreed terms on a four-year deal after Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson and chairman Freddy Shepherd flew to meet him following days of media speculation.

Formalities to be completed 
Bowyer, who is currently away on holiday, will undergo a medical on his return and then complete the formalities of the move. "Freddy Shepherd and Sir Bobby Robson met with the player yesterday to finalise matters," said a club spokesman.

'Talented array of players' 
"They are confident that Lee will be an asset to Newcastle United. The club is moving forward to a new era with confidence as it continues to build on its recent successes in the transfer market, developing a talented array of players within its squad."

Champions League hopes 
Newcastle finished third in the Premiership in 2002/03 and will enter the UEFA Champions League in the third qualifying round. However, Bowyer will be ineligible for the first six matches of any European campaign as he serves a UEFA ban for stamping on a Málaga CF player during Leeds's UEFA Cup tie against the Spanish club last season.