Magpies clinch Viduka deal

Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce clinched the first signing of his reign when he landed striker Mark Viduka on Thursday.

The 31-year-old put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the option of a third after passing a medical in London.

Allardyce travelled south to meet the out-of-contract Viduka as he flew in from a family holiday with the player keen to tie up his future before joining up with the Australia squad for their Asia Cup campaign.

Viduka told the club's official website, www.nufc.co.uk: "I am over the moon. I am really happy.

"The main thing that attracted me to the club was that it is moving in the right direction.

"I think a new era is about to start. Sam Allardyce has come in and if we can get success then it will be something special."

Asked what persuaded him St James' Park was the place to be, he replied: "The size of the club.

"The potential here is enormous and I am really pleased to be part of it. It is definitely one of the biggest clubs in the country.

"Talking to Sam was a big turning point for me. I really wanted to hear what Sam's plans were for the new season and what players he was looking to bring in, and his answers matched with what I was thinking myself.

"I want to win things and Newcastle United is a club that has all the ingredients to do that, especially with Sam coming in."