Dyer wanted to leave Newcastle for a move south for "family reasons" and the 28-year-old was set to join the Hammers over the weekend after both clubs had agreed a fee in the region of £6m.

But Curbishley claims Newcastle pulled out of the deal for the 28-year-old England midfielder at the last minute after the player passed a medical and agreed personal terms.

"We made an offer, had it accepted, agreed personal terms and the player passed a medical," he said. "But it was pulled at the 11th hour by Newcastle and there's not much we can do about that. It has never happened to me before. We are disappointed and the player is very disappointed but it's definitely off."