Chelsea secure deal for Ben Haim

The 25-year-old Israel international was wanted by Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce, who brought Ben Haim to the Premiership when he was Trotters boss.

But Ben Haim has chosen to sign for Jose Mourinho's Chelsea side rather than move to St James' Park.

He becomes Chelsea's third major summer addition following the captures of Claudio Pizarro and Steve Sidwell.

Ben Haim will join up with his new side in time for their pre-season tour of the United States.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho tried to sign Ben Haim in January and his failure to conclude a proposed £2m deal was cited as one of the main reasons behind his alleged rift with owner Roman Abramovich.

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With skipper John Terry sidelined by injury the Blues were left short of cover at centre-half, often forcing Mourinho to play midfielder Michael Essien out of position.

The club struggled during the busy Christmas period and into January with a run of just one win in five games seeing them lose their grip on the Premiership title.

Manchester United regained the league crown, finishing six points ahead of Chelsea, although the Blues did win the FA Cup and League Cup.

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