Czech Republic defender David Rozehnal joins Newcastle United for around £3 million, it is confirmed. The 26-year-old centre back signs a three-year deal at St James' Park as Sam Allardyce makes the first defensive signing of his tenure.

Rozehnal arrived in Newcastle on Monday to sign a contract and undergo a medical and all the fine details have been ironed-out for the player to make his big move.

"I'm delighted that we have been able to secure the signing of David and been able to beat the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Sevilla to get him," Allardyce told the club website.

Newcastle had been chasing the 6'4" stopper since the arrival of Big Sam and the player previously stated that this commitment impressed him enough to discount other offers.

The initial fee is £2.9 million with a further £200,000 dependent on appearances.

Allardyce released defenders Titus Bramble, Craig Moore, Oguchi Onyewu and Olivier Bernard since taking the reins and is believed to be keen on Marseille's Habib Beye and Liverpool's Sami Hyppia after failing to land Chelsea-bound Tal Ben Haim.

- Reda Maher -