Viduka thrilled by Allardyce's plans

Newcastle new boy Mark Viduka has admitted manager Sam Allardyce's plans for the club made up his mind for him.

The 31-year-old striker signed a two-year deal with the option of a third after passing a medical in London on Thursday and he has revealed what Allardyce told him persuaded him it was the right move to make.

He told the club's official website: "Talking to Sam was a big turning point for me. I want to win things and Newcastle United is a club that has all the ingredients to do that, especially with Sam coming in."

Viduka added: "The potential here is enormous and I am really pleased to be part of it. It is definitely one of the biggest clubs in the country and if we can get success, then it will be something special."

Viduka's arrival came on a busy day for Newcastle as they awaited the completion of Joey Barton's £5.5million move from Manchester City.

The 24-year-old agreed the deal earlier this week and it is now just a matter of resolving one remaining administrative issue.

That would represent a major breakthrough for Allardyce, who identified the two men as his top targets for the summer.

Scott Parker's £7million transfer to West Ham means he has done his first two pieces of business for no extra outlay.

Allardyce will now turn his attention to Newcastle's much-maligned defence, with out-of-contract Bolton defender Tal Ben Haim a potential signing.

"To target some defenders is obviously key now," Allardyce told Sky Sports News. "We need to strengthen the back four for the start of the new season. Strengthening the defence will be my key area."