Reds to offer pair in exchange for Wijnaldum – report

Matt Stead

Liverpool hope to bring down Newcastle’s £25m asking price for Georginio Wijnaldum by offering two players in return.

Wijnaldum has emerged as Liverpool’s favoured midfield option after No 1 target Piotr Zielinksi closed in on a move from Udinese to AC Milan – but Newcastle’s valuation is putting them off.

The Holland midfielder joined Newcastle in a £14.75million move from PSV Eindhoven 12 months ago and impressed during his year on Tyneside – scoring 11 goals in 38 league appearances – despite the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

But the Daily Mail claim that Newcastle’s figure could be driven down if a couple of players are included in the switch.

They suggest the likes of Jon Flanagan and Lucas Leiva could head to the North-East in any deal for Wijnaldum.

The Magpies had been keen on including Jordon Ibe in any such deal, but the winger joined Bournemouth for £15m.

Lucas is thought to be on a list of players that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has advised to find new clubs, with the Brazilian no longer a first-choice option in midfield.

It is believed that Flanagan will figure in Klopp’s plans for the season however, as he provides cover in both full-back positions.

Flanagan was linked with moves to Celtic and Burnley this week, with the Reds reportedly telling their suitors to look elsewhere for alternatives.