West Ham United are aiming to beat Newcastle for Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton.

The Mirror says Barton is waiting for permission to talk personal terms with Sam Allardyce AND Alan Curbishley as both clubs reached the trigger figure in Barton's contract for a sale.

Barton has been swaying towards Newcastle since Allardyce took over and the new Toon boss made it plain he was his first target as he rebuilds.

However, Hammers will offer more money and the chance to buy into their big-spending revolution. And their ambitions are so great they want Barton and Newcastle's Scott Parker.

Barton said: "I'll listen to what people have got to say, and if they've got a great desire for me to play for their football club that's all the attention you need."