Sunderland Rival Newcastle For Young Dutch International Midfielder

Newcastle United may be thwarted in their bid to take Chelsea midfielder Marco van Ginkel on loan - by their bitter North-East rivals Sunderland. Reports in Holland last month claimed Van Ginkel had decided a Tyneside move was the right one for him, but now Voetbal International have reported that their near-neighbours on Wearside are looking to hijack the deal. The 22-year-old Dutch midfielder spent a frustrating 2014-15 campaign on loan at AC Milan but both the Magpies and the Black Cats believe they can get the best out of him. Dutch outlet AD claimed last week that Van Ginkel had received an offer from Newcastle and, after weighing it up, had decided that St James€™ Park was the best destination for him. The presence of fellow Dutch internationals Tim Krul, Vurnon Anita and Daryl Janmaat on Tyneside was claimed to have convinced Van Ginkel that Newcastle was the right club for him - although the presence of former Holland coach Dick Advocaat at Sunderland could now scupper the deal. A move for Van Ginkel in particular would show that the Magpies do have ambition, with the two-cap Dutch international having arrived at Chelsea for £8 million from Vitesse Arnhem in 2013 once Jose Mourinho returned to the Blues for a second time. Although he has appeared just twice in the Premier League for Chelsea since as a result of an anterior cruciate knee-ligament injury he suffered back in September 2013, Van Ginkel moved to Milan on loan last summer. In 16 appearances, Van Ginkel scored once but showed a creativity and composure on the ball that was severely lacking on Tyneside last season. During his career to date, Van Ginkel has made a total of 131 appearances, scoring 24 times. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.