Viduka signs for Newcastle
Viduka is also a former Celtic and Leeds striker
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Thursday, 07, Jun 2007 04:22
Newcastle United have completed the signing of Middlesbrough striker Mark Viduka.
New Magpies manager Sam Allardyce has moved quickly to secure the services of the 31-year-old Australian international, who was available on a free transfer after his existing deal at the Riverside Stadium expired this summer.
Viduka has signed a two-year contract at St James' Park after completing his medical today.
"Talking to Sam was a big turning point for me," the striker told the Newcastle website.
"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."
Earlier on, Allardyce had suggested that the club were on the verge of securing the striker's signature.
"Mark is almost in the bag," Allardyce said.
"It's been difficult because he has been on holiday, but we're nearly there."
And Allardyce also revealed that Bolton Wanderers stalwart Tal Ben Haim could join him at St James' Park this summer.
The Israeli international defender is available on a free transfer and the 52-year-old manager said he would welcome a reunion with the player that served him so well during his time at the Reebok Stadium.
"Yes, I'm interested in Tal Ben Haim - he's a free agent and hopefully available," he said.
"He has got three or four years of experience in the Premiership and I know him inside out.
"We had a good working relationship, we grew in the Premiership together and I'm very interested in working with him again."