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Newcastle were locked in an extraordinary row with Jack Colback’s representatives before his £50,000-a-week move to St James’ Park.

Mirror Sport understands confirmation of the 24-year-old’s free-agent defection from arch-rivals Sunderland was held up for over two weeks - because he staged a u-turn and asked to be allowed to go to West Ham instead.

The Magpies and Hammers had been in a straight fight for Colback’s services when it became clear that he was ready to quit the Stadium of Light.

It appeared the battle had been won when Colback initially chose a move to his native Tyneside.

It is understood, however, that the Toon were left stunned after being told the player had had an overnight change of heart - possibly sparked by concerns over the reaction on Wearside - and now wanted to move to the Upton Park club.

A remarkable week of wrangling then ensued in which Colback’s representatives allegedly tried to backtrack - only to be told by Newcastle that they had already reached agreement and the club were not willing to go back on it.

At one stage, they did offer to actually SELL Colback to West Ham for £5million.

It was when the Hammers declined the audacious move that the player’s move to Newcastle was confirmed.