Sunderland and Newcastle United plan to meet in a friendly this week.
The Daily Mail says Sunderland and Newcastle United will meet in a secret Wear-Tyne derby at the Stadium of Light this week.
With both clubs having been knocked out of the FA Cup at the third-round stage and not returning to top-flight action until next week, they have agreed to the behind-closed-doors friendly.
Sources say the fear of injuries – as well as the prospect of defeat – have been talked about by those who work behind the scenes.
The Black Cats have emerged victorious in the last six derbies, setting a new record.