Ben Haim and Barton complete deals

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LONDON, England -- Chelsea on Thursday completed the signing of Bolton's out-of-contract Israel centre-back Tel Ben Haim on a four-year deal.

The news ends a six-month chase for the 25-year-old who was also a target for Newcastle, now managed by Ben Haim's former boss at Bolton Sam Allardyce.

"I feel fantastic to be part of that amazing club. Amazing fans and I'm looking forward to start," said Ben Haim. "The first games in the Champions League, I'm very excited about that.

"If you ask every player, they want to play for Chelsea, for that team. It's one of the best teams in the world so I'm very happy to be part of that.

"I don't like to talk too much about myself but I can guarantee that I give 100 per cent for the club and hopefully I don't disappoint anybody, especially myself."

Ben Haim becomes the third new addition to Chelsea's first team following Claudio Pizarro's signing earlier this month and the agreement that Steven Sidwell will join on July 1.

Ben Haim spent three years at Bolton, where he made 110 appearances. He previously played for Maccabi Tel Aviv and has played 22 times for the Israel national team.

Former Bolton boss Sam Allardyce, now in charge of Newcastle, had attempted to persuade the Ben Haim to rejoin him at St James' Park. But Allardyce admitted defeat.

Allardyce said: "We have had a long, hard go, but I think the lure of the (former) champions has perhaps just pipped me at the post."

But there was major consolation when Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton finalised his move to Newcastle on Thursday for a fee of 5.8 million pounds ($11.43 million).

City's Web site said Newcastle raised their offer after West Ham had also submitted a 5.5 million bid for the 24-year-old, who made his England debut in February.

Barton was suspended by City after an alleged assault on team-mate Ousmane Dabo on May 1.

He was later arrested by Greater Manchester Police and bailed until July 11 pending further enquiries.

168 feared dead in Iran plane crash A plane crashed Wednesday in northwestern Iran, state television reported. All 168 aboard were believed to be dead.

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