Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce had a scout posted to Heerenveen's Abe Lenstra Stadion last night to watch Holland's penalty shootout victory over England in their U21 European Championship semifinal clash.

Allardyce is keen on three Dutch players, who all played significant parts in the epic encounter. Feyenoord wing-back Royston Drenthe, Ajax attacker Ryan Babel and NAC Breda striker Maceo Rigters, who struck Holland's last-minute equaliser with an overhead kick, are all under consideration by Toon boss Allardyce.