Northeast rivals Newcastle United and Sunderland are going head-to-head for Celtic wing dazzler Aiden McGeady.

The News of the World says Black Cats boss Roy Keane hopes to use his massive influence to help lure Republic of Ireland international McGeady to the Stadium of Light - along with the promise of near doubled wages of £45,000-a-week - as the centre-piece of his rebuilding plans to prove Sunderland's ability to land Europe's top talent.

Toon boss Kevin Keegan has kept a close eye on the versatile youngster, sending right-hand man Terry McDermott to run the rule over the Celtic starlet several times this season.