But are the latest rumours linking the striker with a move to St James' Park based on history, or is Glenn Roeder really interested?
The 30-year-old played in the same World Cup side as United defender Craig Moore as Australia reach the last 16 at the competition. And Moore is said to be a great friend of the striker. But, again, are we reading too much into the situation, even though Gareth Southgate is apparently unwilling to offer him an extension to his one year contract (according to the Daily Mirror)?
Rumours say Boro chairman Steve Gibson will listen to offers of around £3million, but I can't help but think this story has come from the same pen as the one that insisted Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink would be a Newcastle player by the end of the week. Something Roeder was quick to rubbish.