Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce has revealed the protracted signing of Joey Barton from Manchester City could be completed on Thursday.Allardyce has made a positive start to his reign, persuading striker Mark Viduka to leave Middlesbrough and head north while also reaching agreement with midfielder Barton, pending a cash wrangle, to join him.The £5.5million deal is being held up by a row between the player and City over a £300,000 loyalty payment and when asked about the situation, Allardyce said: "I´m not quite sure yet. Joey has gone on holiday, hopefully we´ll try to tie it off (on Thursday), finally, and make sure he´s going to be a Newcastle player for next season."
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