Kieron Dyer was omitted from the Newcastle United squad for last night’s friendly against Celtic at St James’ Park and while the midfield player was in the stands – alongside Michael Owen – to witness a comfortable 4-1 home victory, he is now likely to complete a £5 million transfer to West Ham United.

The England international has told Sam Allardyce that he wishes to live nearer to his young family, who are based in Ipswich, and a move to London is close. “We were protecting our asset,” the manager said of Dyer’s nonappearance. “He could have been injured.” He denied that Newcastle had received a firm bid.

While Sven-Göran Eriksson is an admirer of Dyer, geography counts against Manchester City. Tottenham Hotspur also retain an interest in the 28-year-old – and may yet attempt to trump any rival offer – but though Dyer is keen on the notion of working under Martin Jol, the strict wage structure at Spurs is a hindrance.

Dyer earns in excess of £80,000 a week, a figure that does not alarm Eggert Magnússon, even if West Ham’s chairman would prefer both player and his employers to compromise. Dyer’s long history of injuries remains a concern that, coupled with his salary, suggests Newcastle will be pressed to accept appearance-related payments. That may still prove a complication.

On Wednesday, Allardyce paved the way for Dyer’s departure for “family reasons”, an eventuality that most supporters would not bemoan given that his eight years on Tyneside have been dogged by disciplinary problems, injury and underachievement.

That would leave Allardyce seeking reinforcements in midfield, but it is in defence where the manager’s priorities lie and the sight of Nicky Butt and Steven Taylor, the centre half, limping from the pitch last night was worrying. Taylor has aggravated an ankle injury.

Albert Luque, the Spain player, scored twice against Celtic and Allardyce raised the prospect of the forward, who has started six league games in two years, staying at the club. “It’s up to him whether he wants to go through the pain barrier like he has in the last few days,” the manager said. “We’ll work on his fitness and then the talent will emerge.”