Newcastle United have completed the signing of Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton for a fee of £5.8million.
The 24-year-old asked for permission to speak to Newcastle last week after both the Magpies and West Ham United submitted bids of £5.5million or 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.
