The 28-year-old was today expected to complete his move to West Ham for an undisclosed fee, understood to be in the region of £4million, after rejecting an extension at St James' Park.

Pardew had hoped to keep last season's 12-goal leading scorer, who had two years remaining on his contract, but admitted that the two parties could simply not reach agreement.

He told the Shields Gazette: "I am aware that the club made Kevin a good offer to stay, but could not agree over the length of the contract offered.

"This obviously happens in football and everybody needs to move on.

"I would like to thank Kevin for his sterling efforts as a player and captain of this club, especially since I took over last season.

"He displayed admirable leadership qualities, and I wish him every success at West Ham. It's a great club and I'm sure he will thrive there."

Nolan was finalising the detail of his transfer as the Magpies closed in on two of their targets with Hammers striker Demba Ba due on Tyneside today and the move for Swansea full-back Neil Taylor progressing.

Pardew, who has already signed Lille midfielder Yohan Cabaye, has an interest in several other men, including Paris St Germain striker Mevlut Erding, Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta and St Etienne's Blaise Matuidi, and is confident he will strengthen his squad despite Nolan's imminent departure.

He said: "We are looking to complete on a number of deals over the next month or so, and I am sure with the quality of signings I anticipate coming into the club, we should look forward to exciting times in the upcoming season as we look to establish the club as a genuine force in the top half of the Premier League."