Boumsong makes Juve switch

Juventus have completed the signing of France defender Jean-Alain Boumsong.

The France international, who moved to St James' Park in January 2005 for £8 million, has signed a four-year deal with the scandal-hit Italians after The Magpies accepted a bid for the former Rangers man.

Juventus will initially pay Newcastle ‚é¼4.8 million (£3.3 million) for Boumsong and have also agreed to partake in a friendly between the two sides next summer.

The 26-year-old made 59 appearances for Newcastle before falling out of favour under new manager Glenn Roeder.

After learning of Boumsong's availability, a number of clubs were credited with an interest in the stopper, including Lens, Marseille and Hamburg.

However, he has opted to join countryman Didier Deschamps at the Stadio Delle Alpi, despite their likely participation in Serie B for the coming season.

The former Monaco coach is excited by the arrival of the Frenchman, and believes Boumsong has the qualities to fill the void left by Fabio Cannavaro.

‚Ç£He's a true, pure-bred defender with great physical qualities," Deschamps told the club's official website.

"He has good experience, having played for the French national side, and offers the security we are looking for in defence.

"He will give us something extra at the back.‚Ç¥