Parker pens Newcastle deal

Five-year contract
The 24-year-old made just 15 league appearances during an 18-month spell at the newly crowned English champions having cost €14.6m when signing a four-and-a-half year contract in January 2004. Parker, who broke a bone in his foot in December, had a medical today at St James' Park and has agreed a five-year stay.

In demand
Twice capped by his country, the 2004 Young Player of the Year in England had been coveted by several Premiership clubs. Everton FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC particularly had been linked with the former Charlton Athletic FC player but Newcastle manager Graeme Souness was determined to make what he described as an "excellent signing".

Set on Newcastle
Parker revealed he had no hesitation in moving to the north-east of England, claiming "the stature of this club is massive". He added: "This is the club for me. I know other clubs were keen on me, but as soon as I heard Newcastle were interested, there was only one place I was going."

Intertoto entry
Newcastle are in the middle of a major reshuffle after failing to secure an automatic European place for the coming campaign. The club, UEFA Cup quarter-finalists in 2004/05, finished 14th in the Premiership and will enter the UEFA Intertoto Cup in the third round next month.

Busy time
Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert, French winger Laurent Robert, Northern Irish full-back Aaron Hughes and Irish central defender Andy O'Brien have all left, while Welsh forward Craig Bellamy will not return after being loaned to Celtic FC last season. Midfielder Lee Bowyer is also thought to be on his way.