Melbourne Victory are laying the groundwork to bid for Newcastle United striker Mark Viduka. It remains to be seen whether the 33-year-old will figure at Hull City today, when Michael Owen returns to action following a six-week lay-off.

But regardless of how many times Viduka plays for Newcastle before the end of the season, sources close to the player claim he has already been asked to head back to Melbourne, says the Northern Echo.

He is an international ambassador for the Victory, who are working on a financial package aimed at luring him back to his home country.

There is no way the A-League club can match the £80,000-a-week wages he earns at St James' Park, although the former Leeds forward is willing to weigh up all of his options.