Newcastle United Football Club News

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52,193

Magpies seal Barton deal

14 Jun 2007 - 17:36:05

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Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce has completed the protracted transfer of controversial Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton in a £5.8million deal.

The 24-year-old England international was the subject of two £5.5million bids from the Magpies and West Ham United last week, but opted to move to the north-east when Allardyce increased his offer.

City and Newcastle were involved in a furious exchange of words earlier this week when Allardyce grew frustrated at the lack of movement in the transfer.

The contract Barton signed last year at Eastlands included a clause saying that he would receive £300,000 if he did not ask for a transfer and was sold.

However, City's board was adamant that the payment would not be made, prompting Allardyce to tell the Manchester Evening News: "They're out of order. This is a private matter, a confidential issue that shouldn't have been made public.

"I'm flabbergasted and want the situation resolved. I'm just trying as Newcastle manager to secure a player of this kind and quality and the deal has been held up.

"I can't understand it because City didn't pay anything for this player as he came through the youth system and are selling him for over £5million.

"It's not really for me to comment. All I know is that this is a matter for Joey to sort out and I hope it's resolved as it's stopped him putting pen to paper.

"I found Joey a very bright person who wants to develop his game. He's very positive, well-spoken and focused and wants to win silverware with Newcastle and develop his international career."

Barton came through City's Academy system and made his first-team debut against Bolton Wanderers in April 2003.

He went on to score 17 goals in 153 appearances for the club.