Andy O'Brien was today completing a club record £2million switch to Newcastle as Bolton renewed their interest in Bradford City's transfer-listed goalkeeper Matt Clarke.

Centre-half O'Brien agreed to the north-east move after spending yesterday in negotiations with Newcastle general manager Russell Cushing.

Bantams boss Jim Jefferies has reluctantly admitted defeat in his battle to hang on to the highly-rated defender - which has made him doubly determined not to suffer a further blow when he sat down for contract talks with Eoin Jess.

Jefferies planned an afternoon meeting with the Scottish midfielder, who has impressed in his three-month loan spell from Aberdeen.

O'Brien's departure is a major loss to Jefferies' planning for next season but the manager was powerless to prevent him talking to Newcastle because of the clause in the Republic of Ireland under-21 international's contract clearing him to hear any Premiership interest.

Ironically, O'Brien could make his debut in the black and white stripes at Valley Parade on March 31.

Bantams chairman Geoffrey Richmond said: "We made it clear that under no circumstances did we wish Andy to leave.

"We were prepared to sit down in the summer to renegotiate a contract upwards. But his mind was very clear and perhaps understandably so. He feels his international prospects will increase considerably by joining Newcastle and we won't stand in his way.

"I hope the supporters don't criticise either the club or Andy over this. As chairman I've seen every one of his 150 appearances for the club.

"I've met him and his family on many occasions and he has been a perfect professional.

"We are following a certain path as a club but Andy's departure was different to those that have already happened and others that might yet come. We are very sad to see him go but he is a promising young player whose opportunity in life has arrived and he has taken it.

"A verbal agreement is as important as a written one. I made this promise to him a couple of years ago when we were in the First Division and there is no way I could have slept in my bed at night if I had reneged on it."

Bolton were today resurrecting their move for Clarke which collapsed last month over personal terms. They want him until the end of the season with a view to a possible permanent deal.