Glenn Roeder's hopes of making him the first signing of his St James' Park reign received another boost as Malbranque was banished from the Fulham first team by boss Chris Coleman and ordered to join the youth team on their tour of Austria.
The classy midfielder is entering the final year of his contract and Coleman is furious at his refusal to sign a new deal.
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate was keen to add him to his squad but Malbranque's £40,000 a week wage demands have put Boro off, as has his reluctance to make up his mind.
Now, their north-east rivals have now jumped to the front of the queue as Roeder attempts to strengthen his squad ahead of the new Premiership season.
SkySports