Newcastle fail in bid to sign Viduka

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Middlesbrough have rejected an approach from rivals Newcastle United for Mark Viduka.

The Magpies and Boro have been battling throughout the transfer window, with The Teessiders looking likely to come out on top with both Jonathan Woodgate and Robert Huth set to sign on with Middlesbrough.

Newcastle are believed to have made contact with their North East neighbours on Wednesday about the prospect of taking Viduka.

However, it is understood that Boro refused to entertain the idea - even though it is being suggested that James Milner was offered as part of the deal.

Boro no doubt would have seriously entertained the prospect of taking on Milner with the right-hand side of their midfield an area of concern - however, the prospect of losing Viduka looks to have been too unappealing to consider the prospect.

With 24 hours remaining before the transfer deadline closes, Newcastle could very well come back to Boro with a revised bid - but again it seems a tough ask for them to land the Australian.

Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder is looking to add to his squad before the transfer window closes with a defender and another striker known to be high on his list of desired targets.

While at The Riverside, Boro chief Gareth Southgate looks to be closing on at least three news faces with Jason Euell, Woodgate and Huth all undergoing medicals at the club's Rockcliffe Park training headquarters.