Joey Barton has finally completed his move to Newcastle after the club increased their bid to £5.8million.

The 24-year-old has signed a five-year contract following a hold-up over a £300,000 payment to which he believed he was contractually obliged from Manchester City.

However, Newcastle, who along with West Ham had triggered talks by offering £5.5million or more for the England international, increased their initial bid to make the breakthrough hours after manager Sam Allardyce revealed the matter could be resolved within the day.

A statement released on City's official website, www.mcfc.co.uk, and confirmed by the Magpies, said: "Manchester City can confirm that Joey Barton has been sold to Newcastle United for a fee of £5.8million.

"The 24-year-old asked for permission to speak with Newcastle last week after both the Magpies and West Ham submitted bids of £5.5million or more for the player.

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

Barton decided to join Newcastle after meeting Allardyce, chairman Freddy Shepherd and prospective owner Mike Ashley.

However, the outstanding payment, covered by a clause in the player's contract, remained a stumbling block as Barton argued he was entitled to the money as he had not asked for a transfer.

City insisted his decision to seek permission to speak to the Magpies and the Hammers was tantamount to the same thing.

City remained adamant throughout that they would not be paying up and the midfielder's agent, Willie McKay, requested the assistance of the Professional Footballers' Association as the parties attempted to find a way forward.

The deal, which is reputedly worth around £60,000 a week to Barton, was never likely to be scuppered by the wrangle, although Newcastle have moved decisively to end the uncertainty with City the subject of a takeover saga and looking to recruit a new manager.

Barton's departure from Eastlands became almost inevitable after he was suspended by the club following a training-ground incident involving team-mate Ousmane Dabo.

West Ham were ready to offer him a big-money move to Upton Park, but Allardyce was first to the punch and so impressed him during his short time on Tyneside that agreement was reached swiftly.

Barton's reputation precedes him after a series of unsavoury incidents during his career to date, but the new Newcastle boss has already impressed upon him the need to control himself and is confident he can get the best out of a player with undoubted talent.