Middlesbrough striker Mark Viduka is close to completing a move to Newcastle United.  It is understood the 31-year-old has decided not to extend his contract at the Riverside Stadium.

The Magpies have been courting the Australia international for a year and now appear to have made a decisive breakthrough amid interest from West Ham, Portsmouth and Birmingham among other suitors.

Further talks are expected to take place later this week as Viduka enjoys a break before heading off on Asian Cup duty with his country.

Should Newcastle push home their interest in the former Celtic and Leeds frontman, they would bring an end to his hugely successful three-year spell on Teesside.

Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton is expected on Tyneside today to discuss a proposed move to Newcastle.