Klopp urges Liverpool to give star pay rise as three clubs circle

Joe Williams
Jurgen Klopp Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp has insisted that Liverpool tie Georginio Wijnaldum to a new contract as soon as possible, according to reports.

Wijnaldum is out of contract in the summer but still remains a key player in Klopp’s side, having started five of their six Premier League fixtures this season.

Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman aimed to sign Wijnaldum before the closure of the international transfer window on October 5, but the deal never materialised.


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The Dutch manager is a big admirer of the Liverpool midfielder after spending two years working with him as Netherlands head coach.

With no resolution on a new contract at Anfield, there have been more reports linking the 29-year-old with a move away from Merseyside.

Koeman recently signalled his intent to sign the 29-year-old in the January transfer window but Barcelona could have competition.

90min claims that Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan have ‘made their interest clear’ while Barcelona ‘haven’t given up hope of signing the Dutch star’.

The Catalan giants have apparently ‘told the player’s representatives they will return to the table in January, when they can open talks over a free transfer ahead of next summer’.

However, Liverpool are keen to keep Wijnaldum on their books with Klopp urging the Reds board to tie him down to a new deal.

90min adds that Liverpool and Wijnaldum are ‘still some way apart on an agreement to extend his contract’ with the Dutchman wanting ‘a £120,000 weekly base salary – a hike of more than 50% on what he currently earns’.

Liverpool see his demands as ‘steep’ but Klopp ‘has made it clear to the club’s negotiators that he does not want to lose one of his most trusted midfielders’.

It is understood that Wijnaldum would ‘prefer’ to remain at Anfield and Klopp is trying to persuade the club’s board that he represents a ‘sensible long-term investment’.

 

So Patrick Bamford got us thinking about absolutely random Premier League hat-trick goalscorers. Justice for “busy” Kevin Lisbie.