West Ham To Hijack Barton Deal?

The 24-year-old agreed his £5.5million move to St James' Park last week, but a row over a £300,000 pay-off to which he was contractually entitled if he was sold without asking for a transfer has prevented the deal going through.

City refuse to let the deal go ahead until Barton waves the £300,000 pay-off the player believes he is entitled to.

Barton's agent Willie McKay has referred the matter to the Professional Footballers' Association with City adamant that they will not pay because he was not forced out of the club.

Allardyce (talking to the Manchester Evening News): "They are out of order. This is a private matter, a confidential issue that should not have been made public. I'm flabbergasted and want the situation resolved.

"I am just trying as Newcastle manager to secure a player of this kind and quality and the deal has been held up.

"I cannot 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 is resolved as it has stopped him putting pen to paper."

Barton travelled to Tyneside last week and was so impressed with his meeting with Allardyce and the stadium, that he cancelled his meeting to go and talk to the Hammers. Even though West Ham are reported to have offered him £10,000 per week MORE than Newcastle.

However, City continue to hold things up, and reports from London suggest West Ham could be set to come in with another deal.

Allardyce: "I found Joey a very bright person who wants to develop his game.

He is very positive, well-spoken and focused and wants to win silverware with Newcastle and develop his international career."