[goldenHuddlestone]

Chelsea have completed the signing of Bolton's out-of-contract defender Tal Ben Haim on a 4 year deal.

The 25 year old Israel international was wanted by Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce, who brought Ben Haim to the Premiership when he was Trotters boss.

But Ben Haim has chosen to sign for Jose Mourinho's Chelsea side rather than move to St James' Park.

He becomes Chelsea's 3rd major summer addition following the captures of Claudio Pizarro and Steve Sidwell.

Ben Haim will join up with his new side in time for their pre-season tour of the United States.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho tried to sign Ben Haim in January and his failure to conclude a proposed £2m deal was cited as one of the main differences behind his alleged rift with owner Roman Abramovich.