New Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman reportedly has Georginio Wijnaldum ‘very high’ on his transfer wishlist - after urging him not to sign a new deal at Liverpool.
Midfielder Wijnaldum has not yet been tied down to a new deal at Anfield and will be out of contract next summer.
According to Algemeen Dagblad, Koeman has already urged Wijnaldum not to pen a new deal on Merseyside.
And after leaving his job with the Netherlands to head to the Nou Camp, it is claimed he has the 29-year-old high on his list of transfer targets.
His contract situation makes him an affordable option and ex-Everton boss Koeman reportedly thinks Wijnaldum can form the core of his new-look side alongside Frankie de Jong.
It was claimed earlier this summer that a breakthrough had been made in talks over an extension but a new deal has yet to materialise.
Wijnaldum has developed into a key player in the engine room of Klopp’s side and spoke about his development in March.
“My development since I came to Liverpool has been good,” said Wijnaldum, who is out of contract in 16 months. “I have become more of an all-round player.
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“I was used to playing in a very attacking role and only in attack. Since the World Cup (in 2014) with (then Holland boss Louis) van Gaal, I have had a more controlling role in midfield and that went well. After that, I didn’t play that role again, at PSV or Newcastle.
“When I spoke with Klopp, he saw me in a more defensive role, where I needed to be an all-rounder.
“It’s not always easy as I am used to attacking, but it has helped in my development. I am a more complete player now than I was when I arrived.”
