Police are ready to target troublemakers amid fears that Sunderland and Newcastle fans could clash in Holland.

Northumbria Police have been planning their tactics for several weeks after it emerged that both clubs are due to play just 30 miles apart in the Netherlands during the final weekend of the month.

The Black Cats are taking part in the famous Amsterdam Tournament, during which they will face Benfica and Atletico Madrid at the Amsterdam ArenA on July 24 and 26, the latter game taking place on the same day that Magpies are scheduled to face FC Utrecht.

Amsterdam's mayor, Job Cohen, is so concerned by the potential for trouble that he has called for Sunderland to be banned from the tournament.

However, Northumbria Police, who have been in contact with the Dutch authorities since the fixture clash was announced, are ready to head off trouble before it can start.

Chief Superintendent Neil Mackay, head of the operations department, said: "We were approached by the Dutch authorities in connection with these fixtures and offered our views and advice in relation to policing the matches.

"We will look to see what support we can offer to ensure all fans travelling are able to do so safely.

"We will also be mounting a series of operations to prevent known troublemakers from making the journey.

"We know the vast majority of fans making the trip will be law-abiding and we want to make sure they can enjoy the football without it being spoiled by a mindless minority."

That may do little to calm Mr Cohen's fears, however.

He had earlier told Dutch daily De Telegraaf: "It is out of the question that both clubs can play at the same time.

"Talks with the municipal authorities and the club Utrecht have not ended in a result, and I don't want to take any risks.

"It's not for nothing that we have been warned by the English FA.

"I understand that such a measure has far-reaching consequences for Ajax's traditional tournament, but the safety of the city is the first priority."

Sunderland fans have snapped up around 4,000 tickets for the tournament, and there are fears that trouble could flare as supporters of both clubs head for the same flights and ferries to make the trip across the North Sea.

However, Utrecht have revealed they have sold no tickets to Newcastle fans and there are other factors which may mean the Toon Army will not travel in numbers.

Growing frustration over the ongoing sale process at St James' Park has left many supporters disillusioned.

In addition, the game is taking place on the same day as the Sir Bobby Robson Trophy match between England and Germany, an event which has been billed informally as a testimonial for the man who very nearly brought genuine success to Tyneside during his five-year reign as manager.