[Mighty T.A.L.]

Sam Allardyce claims he is already closing in on his first signing as Newcastle United manager.

The former Bolton boss may have been on holiday in France since taking the post at St James' Park on 15th May, but even his absence from the country and the ambiguity involving new shareholder Mike Ashley has failed to reign in his transfer manoeuvres.

The billionaire has purchased Sir John Hall's stake in the club and launched a takeover bid for the remaining 58.4 per cent, and reports have suggested he will give Allardyce a substantial transfer kitty should he convince chairman Freddy Shepherd to relinquish control of the club.

With uncertainty still reigning on Tyneside though, it is believed Allardyce is looking to broker a free transfer signing, with reports in the North East claiming that former Trotters employee Tal Ben Haim and Middlesbrough's Mark Viduka are both high on the new manager's wish-list.

Whilst Allardyce has not revealed the man in question, he has been encouraged by his early days in the job and hopes to have some news on the transfer front imminently.

"We've already had lots of meetings and talked about future plans for new players here," Allardyce told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle.

"Those talks are continuing, and we are close to making a breakthrough in the not-too-distant future.

"Everybody here is working together to take the club forward."

Meanwhile, reports in both the North East and North West claim that Wigan left-back Leighton Baines is another player who has crossed Allardyce's radar.

Source: Skysports

I've been in contact with some reporters and they've told me Mark Viduka will be Big Sam's first signing.