Viduka completes move from Middlesbrough to Newcastle

LONDON, June 7 (Reuters) Australian striker Mark Viduka completed his move from Middlesbrough to their north-east rivals Newcastle United today.

''Sam Allardyce has made his first summer signing,'' Newcastle said in a statement on their Web site (www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk), adding the 31-year-old had signed a two-year contract with an option for a further 12 months.

Viduka scored 19 times for Middlesbrough in the season just ended and the club were keen to keep him at the Riverside.

Newcastle had twice tried to sign Viduka who also attracted interest from newly-promoted Birmingham City, West Ham United and Portsmouth.

Viduka, who will be in Australia's squad for the Asian Cup in July, joined Middlesbrough in July 2004 under then manager Steve McClaren in a 4.5 million pound (.97 million) deal from Leeds United.

Reuters SYU DB2132