Georginio Wijnaldum tells Sky Sports: I joined Newcastle for Steve McClaren's philosophy

Newcastle's new Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum says he joined the club because of Steve McClaren's philosophy.

Wijnaldum, a £14.5m signing from PSV in the summer, says new Toon boss McClaren has a big reputation in his homeland after winning the Eredivisie with FC Twente in 2010.

And the 24-year-old has revealed that stories he heard of McClaren's coaching and preferred playing style in the Netherlands was the deciding factor in him moving to St James' Park.

He told Sky Sports Gillette Soccer Saturday: "He wants to always play football and score a lot of goals.

"He is a trainer who makes players better. That's why I have faith in him and chose Newcastle. 

"I heard some stories about him from players who trained with him at Twente and I spoke with him on the phone before I signed."

A late-season slump meant McClaren's former side Derby fell out of the Championship play-off reckoning last season, but the former England man has the chance to prove his worth in the Premier League again.

He spent five years with Middlesbrough between 2001 and 2006, leading them to League Cup glory and the UEFA Cup final. 

And Wijnaldum, who could make his debut for Newcastle against Southampton on Sunday, says his reputation is still big.

"He told me his plans the way he plays, and that's why I chose Newcastle.

"He has a big reputation in Holland. Twente had never been champions before he arrived. He brought the club to a higher level and has a big name there."

Watch the extended interview with Georginio Wijnaldum on Gillette Soccer Saturday from midday on Sky Sports News HQ.