Barton has medical at Newcastle

Joey Barton was undergoing a medical at Newcastle on Tuesday afternoon as the Magpies attempted to push through a £5.5millon deal for the Manchester City midfielder.

The 24-year-old England international headed away from the club's Darsley Park training headquarters with physio Derek Wright after holding talks with manager Sam Allardyce.

Barton's arrival earlier had coincided with his agent Willie McKay opening negotiations with the Magpies' hierarchy at St James' Park after City gave permission to both Newcastle and West Ham to talk to him.

Allardyce has made the controversial midfielder one of his key targets for the summer and, with the Hammers reportedly ready 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.