Duff completes £4m transfer to Fulham

Duff completes £4m transfer to Fulham

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Fulham have completed the signing of Damien Duff from Newcastle United for a fee believed to be in the region of £4m.

Damien Duff: Returning to London

The Ireland international had committed his future to the Magpies following their relegation to the Championship, but his reputed wages of £60,000-a-week always suggested a sale was likely.

The 30-year-old joined Newcastle from Chelsea three years ago but struggled to hit top form. He began his career with Blackburn Rovers, where his pace and trickery on the wing led to an £17m move to Stamford Bridge in 2003.

It was current Fulham boss Roy Hodgson who handed him his break at Rovers at the end of the 1996-97 campaign, making his debut against Leicester City.

Duff has signed a three-year contract at Craven Cottage.

The left-winger told Fulham's official website: "I am happy that my move to Fulham has been completed and look forward to joining in with the rest of the squad's training programme immediately, in preparation for two important home matches this week.

"Fulham had a fantastic season last year and I know that having spoken to the manager in recent days that the Club's ambitions remain high and I am looking forward to the challenges ahead."

Roy Hodgson added: "I am delighted to add a player of Damien Duff's calibre to our squad, and welcome the further midfield options he provides us with. I have known Damien for over a decade since he broke into the first team at Blackburn when I was manager, so I'm fully aware of his qualities and I am looking forward to working with him again."

Fulham are also hopeful of completing a deal for South Africa midfielder Kagiso Dikgacoi, once a work permit has been rubber stamped.