John Barnes was set to join Newcastle last night - and leave West Ham manager Harry Redknapp disappointed. Earlier yesterday, Redknapp claimed that the 33-year-old Barnes had "given his word" he would join West Ham. However, the Liverpool player later telephoned Redknapp to tell him that he felt he owed it to himself to speak to Newcastle, who could offer him a place in the European Champions' League this season.

Barnes was offered a free transfer by Liverpool after 10 years at Anfield and the former England midfielder took up the offer after losing his first-team place.

Newcastle's ClubCall service insisted that Barnes would snub West Ham for Newcastle and re-join his old manager, Kenny Dalglish. It is a bitter blow to Redknapp, who earlier this year also lost out to Newcastle in the race to sign Stuart Pearce on a free transfer.

"It's obviously a real disappointment," said Redknapp, "especially as it's the second time it's happened. If he's gone up there to talk to them, then that would seem to be that."

Crystal Palace's Ireland Under-21 winger Tony Scully is poised to move to Manchester City. The signing is expected to be completed by the end of the week, but it is not clear whether City will have to pay a fee for Scully. Dublin-born Scully joined Palace as a trainee but managed only one appearance for the first team last season.