The official line from the Riverside Stadium was that they are still awaiting the 31-year-old's response to their offer of an extended contract.

However, it is understood that Viduka has agreed in principle to join the Magpies and take up a fresh challenge after three seasons with Boro.

That would come as a huge disappointment to manager and former team-mate Gareth Southgate, who has been waiting with his fingers crossed for the player's answer.

With speculation mounting over Aiyegbeni Yakubu's future on Teesside - Southgate has insisted the £7.5million man is going nowhere despite speculation linking him with former club Portsmouth - the 36-year-old is desperate to retain the services of his leading scorer last season.

Viduka is expected to hold talks with Newcastle later this week, although West Ham, Pompey and newly-promoted Birmingham have all also been linked with moves for him.

Boro are understood to have agreed a fee with Arsenal for Jeremie Aliadiere, but should the former Celtic and Leeds frontman follow Malcolm Christie and Danny Graham out of the door, Southgate would be left with only Yakubu and Dong-Gook Lee in the striking department.

The manager admitted earlier in the summer that his recruitment plans would be dictated to a large extent by Viduka's decision, and all the indications are that he will be looking for reinforcements with some urgency.

Reports from South America have touted Boro as a possible destination for Brazilian teenager Kerlon.

The 19-year-old Cruzeiros striker has previously been linked with Manchester United and was offered to Palmeiras in January.