Allardyce loses Ben Haim race

Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has admitted defeat in his efforts to sign Israel defender Tal Ben Haim.

The 25-year-old, who is out of contract at Bolton, seems destined to join Chelsea, who made a bid for him during the January transfer window.

Allardyce told the club´s official website, www.nufc.co.uk: "It´s looking like Tal will be going to Chelsea, unfortunately. We have had a long, hard go, but I think the lure of the (former) champions has perhaps just pipped me at the post."

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