Magpies open Barton talks

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It is understood the 24-year-old's agent, Willie McKay, was on Tyneside on Tuesday afternoon to open negotiations over a proposed £5.5million switch to St James' Park.

The Magpies are hoping to tie up a deal swiftly with big-spending West Ham having also registered their interest in the player.

Manager Sam Allardyce has made the controversial midfielder one of his key targets for the summer and with the Hammers reportedly read to offer him a lucrative package to opt for Upton Park instead, he has made his move.

Newcastle spent Monday thrashing out the financial side of the proposed transfer with City after agreeing to match their valuation in two instalments.

It is now up to Allardyce to persuade the England international he can fulfil his potential on Tyneside, while also convincing the club's fans that the baggage he would bring with him is not an issue.

Barton could become the club's first summer signing after the departures of Titus Bramble, Antoine Sibierski, Craig Moore, Pavel Srnicek, Oivier Bernard and Oguchi Onyewu.

A statement on the City website, www.mcfc.co.uk, revealed: "We can confirm that Joey Barton has requested permission to speak to two clubs.

"Newcastle and West Ham have submitted bids of £5.5million or more for the player's services."