Sunderland transfer news: Black Cats to battle Newcastle in attempt to sign PSV Eindhoven's Georginio Wijnaldum after 'making £11m offer'

Wijnaldum starred in PSV's successful Eredivisie campaign last season and could be on his way to the north-east

PSV Eindhoven midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum (Getty Images)

Sunderland and Newcastle look set to renew their rivalry before the season gets underway after both expressing an interest in Netherlands midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum.

The PSV Eindhoven attacking midfielder was recently voted the Eredivisie player of he season, ahead of his former team-mate and new Manchester United signing Memphis Depay, and The Guardian is reporting that the Black Cats have made their interest in the 24-year-old formal with an official £11m offer.

However, their north-east rivals Newcastle are in the hunt for Wijnaldum, and could make a move to try and beat Dick Advocaat’s side to his signature.

Wijnaldum starred in PSV’s successful Eredivisie campaign last season as he notched 14 goals in 33 appearances to help the club secure a first title in seven years. He also scored twice in the KNVB Cup in the 5-1 victory over Almere City, but was unable to stop PSV from being eliminated in the last-16 against Roda JC.

Having scored in the 3-0 victory over Brazil in the 2014 World Cup third-place play-off last summer, Wijnaldum made six appearances for his country, scoring in the Euro 2016 qualifier victory against Latvia earlier this month.

Sunderland are also reported to have had a £5m offer for West Ham's Stewart Downing rejected, but will maintain their interest in the England midfielder and could return with an improved offer for the former Liverpool midfielder.