NEWCASTLE United have announced that Damien Duff has passed his medical, and signed a five-year contract with the Magpies.

Duff, who started as a junior with Blackburn Rovers, made 190 starts for the Ewood Park outfit - with a further 33 from the bench - netting 35 goals.

He then moved to Chelsea for £17m, and has picked up two Premiership winners medals during his time at Stamford Bridge wher he started 95 games in all competitions.

The Republic of Ireland international, who has 59 caps and seven goals, will be unveiled at St. James' Park on Monday afternoon at a press conference.

Duff has scored three times against United in recent seasons, once for Blackburn in their 5-1 defeat at Gallowgate and then in the 5-0 and 3-0 defeats at Stamford Bridge.

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