The 28-year-old Cameroon international today completed his free transfer from Chelsea, subject to a work permit, after passing a medical and agreeing a three-year deal.

He will become Allardyce's fourth summer signing and, although he will not join up with the rest of the squad for their pre-season training camp in Austria after being given time to recover from summer internationals, he is looking forward to getting to work.

Geremi said: "I am delighted to join Newcastle and I am very, very pleased with this move.

"This, like Chelsea, is a big club and a great football club. They have passionate fans and I look forward to playing for them.

"I was impressed with Sam Allardyce too. I was impressed with what he has done in football and his knowledge of other teams and players.

"It's a great move for me."

Geremi's capture adds further strength to Newcastle's defensive resources after last week's swoop for Czech international David Rozehnal.

He can play either at right-back or in midfield, but with Allardyce looking to rebuild at the back, that is his more likely role.

The former Real Madrid and Middlesbrough star, who completed a £7million move to Chelsea from the Bernabeu four summers ago, represents another bargain acquisition for Allardyce.

Like striker Mark Viduka, he will arrive on a free transfer, while Joey Barton cost £5.8million from Manchester City and David Rozehnal £2.89million from Paris St Germain.

With Scott Parker having joined West Ham in a £7million switch, that means Allardyce has so far paid out £1.69million net in transfer fees, with new owner Mike Ashley yet to reveal the extent to which he will back his manager in the market.

A Magpies delegation has been in Spain trying to further the club's interest in Barcelona duo Edmilson and Eidur Gudjohnsen.

However, Allardyce and his players jetted off to their pre-season training camp in Austria this morning looking to launch their preparations away from the whirlwind of speculation.

Strikers Michael Owen and Obafemi Martins were among the party which left Newcastle International Airport as uncertainty continues over their respective futures.

Allardyce is confident Owen's situation is resolved, and planned to sit down with Nigeria international Martins to learn his thoughts amid rumours Arsenal could be ready to trigger the £13million escape clause in his contract.

While mobile telephones will be switched off during the trip, there is little doubt Allardyce will be keeping in touch with the club's hierarchy as they attempt to bring in more new faces.

The additions of Rozehnal and Geremi have gone some way towards making up for the departures of defenders Titus Bramble, Craig Moore, Oguchi Onyewu and Olivier Bernard, but the manager knows he needs to strengthen further.

However, he has not given up on Nigeria international left-back Celestine Babayaro, whose days at St James' appeared to be numbered.

Allardyce said: "We will continue to move forward in the defensive areas. David Rozehnal is a big signing, but we have got few defenders at the club because I let go one or two who were out of contract.

"That has left a big hole in that area and we have got to fill it with the best quality players we can find.

"The left-back spot will be one of those positions we will fill.

"Obviously, Babayaro is still with us. He did not figure that much last year, but I will be interested to see such a fine player and whether we can help him in any way to make him fitter, stronger and better so he can play and compete for Newcastle United in the last year of his contract."