Viduka Speculation Asks Questions Of Shepherd

Last updated : 18 May 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

The Newcastle United chairman defended himself when Graeme Souness suggested all transfer deals had to go through Shepherd, and it was the Toon chairman who decided who arrived at St James' Park. Mark Viduka, who has never been a target for Allardyce in the past, is again linked with a move to Tyneside.

Viduka has not signed a new contract for Middlesbrough and could leave the club on a Bosman.

The striker is in Melbourne on holiday, and won't talk about his future until he returns to England.

Viduka was set to join United in the 2006 summer transfer window, and we all know James Milner was set to join Aston Villa on the strength of the deal. But Middlesbrough blocked the move and Milner was summoned back to Newcastle after he had passed a medical at Villa Park.

The Aussie is a free agent now and although Boro are desperate to keep him, he says he would love another crack at European football, which obviously Newcastle cannot offer. But it does show he is unsettled at the Riverside.