Liverpool want to wrap up a move for Newcastle midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum in the next 48 hours, according to Miles Staniforth in the Shields Gazette.
Although the Reds have not made a formal bid for Wijnaldum yet, the local newspaper states that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is keen on bringing in the Dutch international before the Reds squad departs for the club’s preseason tour in the United States later this week.
Wijnaldum flew back to the Netherlands rather than joining the rest of his teammates on the return flight to Newcastle from their preseason training base in Ireland, and the Shields Gazette say it is not clear whether the 25 year old will take any further part in Newcastle’s preseason matches.
The Magpies are hoping to get £27million for Wijnaldum although the price tag has seemingly put off two clubs already in Tottenham and Liverpool’s Merseyside rivals Everton. The Evening Chronicle believes that Rafa Benitez’s side will only accept a cash only deal for the player in one lump sum, rather than being paid in installments. Rumours have circulated that Jon Flanagan or Lucas Leiva could also be included as part of the deal but the Chronicle believes that this won’t be the case. Jurgen Klopp’s side now appear to be at the front of the queue for a player who scored 11 goals in the Premier League last season.
