Barton makes Magpies move

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.

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

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."

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.