Newcastle feel in pole position for Viduka

13 April 2012

Newcastle are increasingly confident of persuading Middlesbrough striker Mark Viduka to make the short trip to Tyneside rather than renewing his contract at Boro or opting for a new start at either West Ham or Portsmouth.

The 31-year-old is yet to give Boro boss Gareth Southgate an answer and the Teessiders insist negotiations are ongoing.

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But insiders at St James' believe they have edged to the front of the queue as they attempt to secure a positive conclusion to a year-long pursuit.

Should that prove to be the case, only time will tell whether or not Bolton defender Tal Ben Haim joins him on Tyneside with Allardyce's successor at the Reebok Stadium, Sammy Lee, insisting he has not given up hope of retaining the services of the out-of-contract Israel international.

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