Newcastle finally complete Barton signing

The 24-year-old asked for permission to speak to Newcastle last week after both the Magpies and West Ham submitted bids of £5.5million or more.

Scroll down to read more:

Newcastle followed up their initial bid with an improved £5.8million offer today, which has been accepted by the Blues.

The saga has rumbled on because of a prolonged debate over a £300,000 payment to which the England international believes he is entitled from City.

However, the Eastlands outfit showed no sign of settling up as they maintain his decision to ask to speak to both Newcastle and West Ham effectively constituted a transfer request, which automatically negates the clause in his contract.

But the deal has now been concluded for a midfielder who came through City's academy system before making his debut against Bolton in April 2003.

Barton admitted his mind was made up quickly once he arrived at Newcastle.

He said: "I am delighted to be here. As soon as it came to speaking to people at Newcastle, it became clear they have the desire and ambition to succeed.

"The people I am going to work with have the ambitions to match mine and I hope this is the start of a successful era for myself and the club.

"I have always admired Sam from afar. The job he did at Bolton was just phenomenal.

"Now I have got the opportunity to work with him. It was great to speak to him and know he rates me as a player. "

Allardyce was thrilled to have landed a player he believes will be a major addition to his squad.

He said: "It's a great coup for me and this football club to get a player of such outstanding talent, something he has proven over the last four years at Manchester City.

"He is a central midfielder with all-round ability. He can defend, pass the ball and, most importantly, score goals."