A-League clubs are on red alert as Mark Viduka faces the exit door at Newcastle United. The injury-prone Aussie ace has not played enough games this season to trigger a 12-month extension with his current deal set to expire in the summer.

Viduka has made just one Premier League start because of Achilles and groin injuries, while Toon owner Mike Ashley is keen to slash his £75million wage-bill.

He said: "Ideally I'd love to play another year for Newcastle but if it's not to be then it's not to be."

Melbourne Victory are favourites to land Viduka, though Aussie hopes could be scuppered by Blackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce, who would consider the striker as a readymade replacement for want-away Roque Santa Cruz.