And if agreement is reached with Manchester United then the duo, who helped fire the Yorkshire club to the semi-finals of the Champions League just six years ago, both could make their respective Newcastle debuts against Sampdoria on Sunday.

The Magpies are in talks with the 26-year-old, who has been linked to a host of Premiership clubs, over a deal reported to be worth $15m.

Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce has so far added Viduka, Joey Barton, David Rozehnal and Geremi to the squad since arriving from Bolton Wanderers at the end of last season.

Viduka and Smith were both massive fan favourites at Leeds although Smith blotted his copybook when he left to join the Elland Road club’s bitter rivals Manchester United.

And should Smith sign then it won’t just be Viduka who provides a familiar face.

Midfielder James Milner was also on the Elland Road books at the same time as Smith and Viduka.

Both players were sold as Leeds crashed out of the Premier League at the end of the 2003-4 campaign.

Viduka in particular, who still lives in Yorkshire, has spoken of his sadness at Leeds’ demise.

With Sunderland and Middlesbrough also in the hunt for Smith, manager Sam Allardyce hopes his club will have the north east edge when it comes to luring Smith.

He told the Evening Chronicle: “He has other clubs to consider and I am hoping we are top of his list.”

And as for Viduka, new Newcastle chairman Chris Mort has highlighted the Aussie striker as a classic example of spending cash wisely.

He said: “One of Sam Allardyce's greatest strengths is finding and buying players, and we are hoping he will bring some sense and stability to the club's signings.

"It does not matter if we do not spend a ton of money on a player as long as we get the right man, like we did with Mark Viduka.

"Yes, he is on a big salary, but he was a free transfer and is a brilliant signing for us.

"So we will not be spending money just to show we can. That is not the object of our game.

"Our objective is to get a team on the pitch which is going to win us football matches and have us near the top of the Premiership."