Newcastle's new hit Daniel Cordone has been stunned by the size of crowds in the Premiership.

The Argentinian striker said: "I was told what to expect at Manchester United but I have been amazed that we got more than 50,000 for games against Derby and Spurs.

"I can't believe the size of the stadium and the attendances we are getting."

Cordone, who has scored in both home games since his move from Racing Club, is the first Argentinian to play for Newcastle.

He told Toon fans yesterday: "I'm happy with my start but I can play a lot better. I need a bit more time before supporters see the best of me."

Chilean midfielder Clarence Acuna has confirmed that he's keen to clinch a move to Newcastle.

Acuna, currently on a 10-day trial, said: "I've heard all about my fellow-countryman George Robledo playing for the club.

"If I can do as well as he did I would be very happy."

Rob Lee has signed a new one-year contract with Newcastle.

The England midfielder, who moved in 1992 from Charlton, is already the club's longest serving player and this deal will take him to almost 10 years at St James'.

l Leeds are hopeful of winning their latest stand-off with Soccer Australia after the Aussies demanded that Mark Viduka should return home this weekend.

Leeds had initially negotiated with Australia chiefs for Viduka's release for the Sydney Olympic Games, which start in 14 days' time, to be after Tuesday's Elland Road clash against Manchester City.

But Soccer Australia then requested the £6million summer signing from Celtic be available 48 hours before a warm-up clash for the Olyroos squad against Kuwait the same night. SA chairman David Woolley even faxed Leeds to stress the game is an A-class international, and therefore demanded the release of Viduka, who will compete as one of the over-age players.

But Leeds have contacted the Football Association, who in turn have spoken to world governing body FIFA, to determine the exact status of the match.

United are confident that as the game is a friendly it cannot be categorised as A-class and therefore 25-year-old Viduka does not have to play, ensuring he can face City.

Leeds club secretary Ian Silvester said: ''Our understanding is that the game is a training match.

"Spectators are allowed to wander in for free, so in our view it is not a full international.''

Viduka, who could miss up to seven matches while at the Olympics in his home town, should be given the all clear to play against City this weekend.

Midfielder Lee Bowyer, meanwhile, remains hopeful he still has a future at international level despite the FA's insistence to suspend the 23-year-old and team-mate Jonathan Woodgate from England duty due to an impending court case.

Earlier this week England coach Kevin Keegan revealed he would like to have as many quality players available, including Woodgate and Bowyer, but the FA are adamant they not be selected at any level.

The duo first face a plea and directions hearing on September 25, with an expected Crown Court trial for alleged assault charges on an Asian youth likely to take place at the end of the season.

With both players having proved they are in exceptional form this season, they would almost certainly have been recalled to the international fold but for the ban