Newcastle United and Sunderland are battling for PSV Eindhoven winger Georginio Wijnaldum.
The People says Newcastle have moved ahead of Sunderland for Wijnaldum.
Holland international Wijnaldum, who skippers PSV Eindhoven, would cost the Geordies around £15million..
McClaren knows all about the midfielder from his time coaching in the Dutch league at FC Twente..
And the move will be all the sweeter for Magpies' fans, as the player is believed to favour them over their old enemies from Wearside.
It is understood that Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat was strongly interested in a player who represented their homeland at last year's World Cup and has 19 caps overall.
