North-East rivals Newcastle United and Sunderland will battle it out for the signature of West Ham United's Argentine striker Mauro Zarate, according to reports.
The 27-year-old has struggled to force his way into Sam Allardyce's side in recent weeks, and West Ham are understood to be willing to let the forward leave on loan.
The news has alerted both Newcastle and Sunderland, who are readying January offers for Zarate's services, according to The Mirror.
Zarate, whose previous clubs include Inter Milan, Lazio and Birmingham City, only joined West Ham from Velez Sarsfield in the summer, but has managed only two goals in seven appearances this season.
