Newcastle United are closing in on FC Twente defender Douglas.

The Sunday Express says manager Alan Pardew and chief scout Graham Carr have identified the 24-year-old, whose contract runs out in the summer, as another player who will improve the Geordies but won't cost an excessive fee.

FC Twente, managed by former England boss Steve McClaren, hold a 12-month option on the player. This means Newcastle will have to pay a fee, probably in the region of £4million, for the as yet uncapped player.