Liverpool icon John Barnes says Gini Wijnaldum is "replaceable" at Anfield, but added that he hopes he midfielder stays at the club.
Wijnaldum is out of contract next summer, with no indications coming from the club that he is set to be offered a new one.
Reports from Spain have suggested that Barcelona have agreed terms on a deal for the 29-year-old, although sources at Anfield indicate that isn't the case.
Barnes says he could see Liverpool being willing to allow the Dutchman to leave the club if they have identified a suitable replacement, as doing so would be much easier than upgrading on their front three of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
"Well, of course, you want to keep your players, especially your best players, those who have been instrumental in doing what they did for your success," Barnes told bonuscodebets.co.uk.
"But I think midfield players are a little bit different in terms of their profile, as they tend to be replaceable. Replacing the front three is much harder.
"Having said that, Gini Wijnaldum is a fantastic player. He’s hardworking, diligent, good work ethic and good ability, but if he’s asking for a lot more that offered to him, then I guess, Liverpool will find someone better value for a the same, or similar, standard."
Barnes added that he hopes the Premier Leage champions find a way to keep Wijnaldum at the club.
"I’d love to see Gini staying at Liverpool, he’s a great player and I do hope, both for Gini, and the club, that they can find a way to agree," he added.
"I think Liverpool feel Gini is asking for too much, which tends to backfire when players get too confident, but let’s see.
"He’s done a lot good for the club so hopefully that will work in his favour should they try to find a solution.
"Having said that, if Liverpool can sign another player and bring some security to the situation and something a little bit different to that area of the pitch then that may be the best thing to do."
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