Even in the frenetic world of Newcastle United, yesterday proved particularly hectic as Kieron Dyer, one troubled midfield player, left the North East and Joey Barton, another, was charged with assault. In other developments, Sam Allardyce, the manager, was close to securing two significant signings, while Chris Mort, the chairman, offered supporters reassurance on a wide range of subjects.

As The Times revealed on Tuesday, Allardyce’s £6 million pursuit of Alan Smith, the Manchester United and England utility player, was dependent on West Ham United offering a similar fee for Dyer, whose position on Tyneside had become untenable after he was the target of sustained abuse from fans. Dyer’s car and house were attacked last weekend.

Both players discussed personal terms at their prospective new clubs, while Dyer, who has a long history of injury and illness, was put through a stringent medical at Upton Park. The deal was incomplete last night as West Ham awaited the arrival of medical documents from Newcastle.

Smith also courted interest from Middlesbrough, Everton and Manchester City, but Newcastle’s pursuit has been successful. “I hope to be a Newcastle player by the morning,” Smith, 26, who is expected to be deployed in a midfield role, said.

Newcastle are also tying up the formalities of the free transfer of Caçapa, the 31-year-old Brazil defender who left Lyons at the end of last season and who watched Newcastle’s friendly victory over Juventus on Sunday. “He would be a terrific capture for us,” Allardyce, who has been searching for an experienced centre half, said. “Our fans should not be put off by the fact that they may not have heard of Caçapa because he has certainly been heard of in Brazil and France.”

As a French passport holder, Caçapa does not require a work permit.

The news on Barton, who joined Newcastle from Manchester City this summer for £5.8 million, was less positive. The 24-year-old has been changed with Section 47 assault by Greater Manchester Police over an alleged training-ground attack on Ous-mane Dabo, his former City teammate. Barton will appear at Trafford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

If Barton denies the charge and the case goes to trial, it can be heard either at magistrates’ court or at Crown Court, in front of a jury. Stuart Pearce, who was the City manager at the time of the incident, and other players are likely to be called as witnesses. The offence is understood to carry a maximum sentence of five years in jail on conviction. A spokesman for Barton said that the player “strenuously denies the charge”.

Mort, who was appointed as Freddy Shepherd’s successor in the aftermath of Mike Ashley’s £133 million takeover at Newcastle, rejected reports that Kevin Keegan or Alan Shearer had been invited back to the club in any kind of managerial capacity. Mort has had discussions with Shearer, but only in relation to the former England captain’s ambassadorial role.

Allardyce has expressed frustration at the slow pace of his squad rebuilding, but Mort has reiterated his belief in the manager. “He is an absolutely top manager, end of story,” he said.

He explained that, with £80 million debts that are “too high for the club to support”, there is an onus on prudence. “One of Sam’s strengths is finding and buying players and we are hoping he will bring some sense and stability to the club’s signings,” Mort said. Suggestions that Ashley is regretting his purchase are misguided. “It is not a short-term project for Mike Ashley or myself,” Mort said. “If you look at the companies Mike has bought, like Dunlop and Slazenger, he has developed them over 20 years.”