Joey Barton 'sick' as West Ham poised to sign Kevin Nolan

The Hammers have revealed they expect to complete two new signings within the next 24 hours, with Bolton left-back Ricardo Gardner also poised to arrive at Upton Park.

"Both prospective arrivals are proven Premier League players and will add greatly to new manager Sam Allardyce's first-team squad ahead of the 2011-12 season," read a club statement.

Newcastle United midfielder Nolan is due to undergo a medical after the clubs agreed an undisclosed fee for him.

It is understood the 28-year-old is keen to be reunited with Allardyce, whom he played under at Bolton, and that he will be appointed skipper at Upton Park following Matthew Upson's departure.

He will also fill the void in the midfield set to be left by Scott Parker's likely move back to the Premier League this summer, following West Ham's relegation.

Jamaica international Gardner, 32, is available on a free transfer after seeing out his contract at the Reebok Stadium.

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton last night warned of an exodus from St James' Park after Nolan's departure was reported.

The 28-year-old was swift to respond to the news, predicting that he, Spanish full-back Jose Enrique and Argentine winger Jonas Gutierrez could follow Nolan out of the door.

Barton, who said last season he would sign a new deal on Tyneside if his captain did, used his Twitter account to make his feelings on the matter known.

He tweeted: "Just on my way to Ascot, feel sick", before adding: "Great player, leader, captain, person, trainer and mostly a friend for life. Devastated to see him SOLD", adding the hashtag "#mejoseandjonasnext".