Newcastle seal £6.5m Parker deal

Scott Parker's career statistics

Newcastle have confirmed the signing of Chelsea midfielder Scott Parker on a five-year deal.

They have paid £6.5m for the 24-year-old England international.

"As soon as Chelsea made it clear they were prepared to let me leave, I was keen on this move," Parker told Newcastle's official website.

"I've played here a few times. I know how big the club is. I was impressed with the manager Graeme Souness. He's a major factor behind my decision."

Parker admitted he had been frustrated during his stay at Chelsea, who he joined for £10m from Charlton in January 2004.

I have a desire to win things and I feel that at Newcastle I can do that Scott Parker

"I was a key figure at Charlton and playing every week, and then all of a sudden at Chelsea I wasn't a regular and had to get used to being on the sidelines.

"But that has made me a stronger person and I don't leave Chelsea believing that I have failed.

"I have learned a lot there and developed as a player and I'm confident you will see that at Newcastle next season."

Parker said his experiences at Stamford Bridge had made him hungry for first team football - and success.

"I have a desire to win things and I feel that at Newcastle I can do that," he said.

"The manager has given me a huge lift, I feel wanted again and I know I can do a good job here."

Souness said he had long been an admirer of the midfielder.

Parker is a cracking signing and a great start From ST Have your say on 606

"At Chelsea, things conspired against him because he is more than good enough to hold down a regular place in that team," he said.

"But football is all about opinions as well and their manager and the people there felt that they could let him go.

"We are delighted that we have got him because he is going to be a top player here for a very long time."

Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd said Parker had been the club's main target for some time.

"He is our first signing of the summer and will be a valuable addition to our squad," he told Newcastle's website.

"He is still young but has a lot of experience and we welcome him to Newcastle and look forward to seeing him in a black and white shirt."

Everton dropped out of the race to sign Parker, leaving the path clear for Newcastle to move in.

The club are thought to be ready to match Parker's reported weekly wage of £55,000 at Stamford Bridge.

Toon 'face fight for Emre'

Everton had also targeted Parker but lost out - and Souness is also confident of beating the Toffees to land Inter Milan's Emre Belozoglu.

Newcastle believe they are close to a deal for the Turkish midfield man.