Mark Viduka has now joined Newcastle, becoming Sam Allardyce's first signing as manager.

The Australia international, who had been linked with the club for several months, signed a two-year contract after his contract with Newcastle's regional rival Middlesbrough expired at the end of the English Premier League season.

The 31-year-old forward passed a medical, the club said, and will boost a forward line that struggled for goals last season.

The club struggled to replace Alan Shearer, who retired in May 2006. Michael Owen played only three games after injuring his knee while playing for England at last year's World Cup, while Obafemi Martins scored just 11 Premier League goals.

Viduka scored 42 goals in 102 games for Boro after a similarly successful four-year spell at Leeds.

"I think a new era is about to start," Viduka said.

"Sam Allardyce has come in and if we can get success then it will be something special."

Allardyce also said he wanted to sign Israel defender Tal Ben Haim, whom he coached at Bolton until last season.

"He's a free agent and hopefully available," Allardyce said.

"He has got three or four years of experience in the Premiership and I know him inside out."

Allardyce, who quit Bolton in April and joined Newcastle last month, has already allowed club captain Scott Parker to leave for West Ham and is reportedly interested in signing Manchester City's Joey Barton to replace him.

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