Griffiths flew out to China yesterday after Newcastle Jets and Beijing Guoan reached agreement over his transfer - a figure thought to be around $450,000.

The player even refused to rule out a return to the Hunter one day with the club and said he had nothing bad to say about the club or its supporters.

But the players union is glad the matter is now settled and that there was no need in the end for a resolution through arbitration.

Speaking to the PFA's official website, PFA CEO Brendan Schwab said: "Joel has always tried to do the right thing by Newcastle and the A-League.

"Not only has he been an outstanding contributor on the field, Newcastle is now being well rewarded financially for his transfer.  Joel was always committed to that outcome.

"It is a daily occurrence in the world of football for player transfers to be negotiated for players under contract.

"In a World Cup year, international moves are being encouraged throughout the A-League to ensure players with Socceroos aspirations are active right up to May."

Griffiths will be back in Australia very shortly with Beijing Guoan due to face Melbourne Victory in the group stages of the Asian Champions League.