Bowyer takes big pay cut for 'dream move' to West Ham for £750,000

Lee Bowyer last night joined West Ham United from Newcastle United for an undisclosed fee, thought to be about £750,000.

The 29-year-old midfielder has also taken a substantial pay cut to sign for the club he supported as a boy. His departure will heighten Newcastle's efforts to sign Fulham's Steed Malbranque for £4m.

Bowyer, capped once by England, had a six-month stint with the Hammers in 2003 before moving to St James' Park. He said: "I am desperate to do well for West Ham. I loved my time at Newcastle but this is my club. I didn't play well last time. I had a bad ankle injury and kept playing on it which was to nobody's benefit. I see this as unfinished business. I want to show the fans what I can do."

Chelsea are set to bank an impressive return for Robert Huth, with Middlesbrough having agreed to pay £6m for the 21-year-old German international.

Chelsea are also prepared to sell Carlton Cole to Tottenham Hotspur but no fee has been agreed.