Newcastle are on the verge of pulling off a major transfer coup as they head into Saturday afternoon's vital Intertoto Cup clash with Lillestrom.

While Glenn Roeder and his players were concentrating on the business of securing Uefa Cup qualification, club officials were working behind the scenes to tie up a £10million swoop for Chelsea and Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff.

The Magpies confirmed last night that the 27-year-old Republic of Ireland international had agreed terms and was undergoing a medical with a view to completing a move to St James' Park.

A club statement confirmed: "The board of Newcastle United PLC are pleased to announce that contracts have been exchanged with Chelsea Football Club for the transfer of Damien Duff.

"The player, having agreed terms, is currently undergoing a medical."

Having been linked to a lengthy list of potential targets already this summer, chairman Freddy Shepherd had managed to keep his approach for Duff quiet until yesterday. He has moved swiftly to strike the deal.

Roeder declined to confirm the club's interest in the former Blackburn player, who cost Chelsea £17million three summers ago, as he conducted his pre-match press conference at the Arasen Stadium in Oslo.

However, Duff's imminent arrival will provide the manager and his squad with a significant boost following a frustrating few weeks on the transfer market.