New FC Twente boss Steve McClaren would like to keep hold of Holland midfielder Orlando Engelaar, but accepts it will be tough to do so.Engelaar is reportedly keen to link up with former Twente coach Fred Rutten at Schalke, with the Bundesliga outfit's general manager Andreas Muller on Tuesday indicating that he expects a deal for the player to be concluded this week.

McClaren, who signed a two-year contract to succeed Rutten on Tuesday, is determined to fight tooth and nail to keep hold of Engelaar - one of the stars of Holland's brilliant but brief Euro 2008 campaign - but concedes that player power could win the day.

"It's very difficult," the former England manager told Sky Sports News. "I understand the situation now is that players have a lot of power in the game - more and more power.

"It's getting ridiculous at the present moment, but that's the situation we're in.

"We find it here with Orlando Engelaar, one of the best players here. There are rumours that he wants to move on.

"I have yet to meet Orlando, I have yet to meet with his agent. I am yet to find out exactly what the future holds for Engelaar, but you don't want to lose your best players.

"We have heard the rumours, but he is under contract. I have just signed and I hope to meet him and speak to his agent who I know well. We will see what the situation is. It would of course be good to keep him."

Engelaar excelled in a holding midfield role for Holland at Euro 2008, playing a key part in Holland's stunning wins over Italy and France in the so-called 'Group of Death' before their quarter-final defeat to tournament dark horses Russia.

The 28-year-old's performances in Austria and Switzerland have seen his stock rise still further, and McClaren indicated that a big-money offer would be difficult to fend off if the player's heart is set on a move away from the club.

He said: "I think it's dictated by finance, but ultimately it's got to be a career decision - the best decision for the player, for his future, where he feels good, and who he feels good with - his coaches and managers, etc.

"That is the situation we face all the time and changes happen at every club. It's just one of those things that you have to put up with."

Earlier, Schalke chief Muller spoke of his confidence that a deal for Engelaar will be reached in due course.

He told the Bild newspaper: "I hope that we can sort out the transfer this week. Orlando only wants to come to us, he had clearly earlier already opted for Schalke. That is our trump card."

Eredivisie outfit Ajax and a number of English Premier League clubs have been linked with a move for Engelaar, but Muller is adamant he is on his way to the Bundesliga.

He said: "I know that he is very sought-after. But Orlando is no longer [considering his options]. I am certain that he is coming to us."

Asked if a projected fee of eight million euros was realistic, Muller added: "We are not paying that.

"After Holland's exit from the Euros, Orlando will not speak himself with Twente's president, Joop Munsterman. I expect a reasonable agreement."

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