Former Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren has had a say in Newcastle United dropping their pursuit of FC Twente defender Douglas.

McClaren worked with Douglas, who had been recommended by Toon chief scout Graham Carr, while in charge of Twente.

The Evening Chronicle says United pulled out of a move for Douglas last week after Joe Kinnear was advised by McClaren that there may be better targets.

The defender is thought to be deeply disappointed that his move to Tyneside did not work out.