Paper Talk: Liverpool ‘anxious’ as midfield star is convinced by exit proposal
Georginio Wijnaldum has made a final decision about his Liverpool future, while Manchester United could receive a bid for Paul Pogba in the summer – according to Sunday’s transfer gossip.
WIJNALDUM MAKES LIVERPOOL DECISION
Georginio Wijnaldum will reject a new contract with Liverpool to seal a dream move to Barcelona, according to the Sunday Mirror.
Wijnaldum is in the final six months of his contract at Anfield and can sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club.
There has been much speculation about the midfielder, who remains a key player for Jurgen Klopp. Liverpool are trying to get him to extend his contract.
However, they are struggling to convince him at present due to their financial offer. What’s more, Wijnaldum has his heart set on a move to Barcelona.
The Dutchman wants to work under his compatriot Ronald Koeman again, and would have been tempted by Barcelona even if someone else was in charge.
Therefore, the Sunday Mirror claim a move to Barcelona “will happen” in the summer, as Wijnaldum will reject Liverpool’s offers.
The 30-year-old wants to follow in the footsteps of other Dutch players who have made history with Barcelona. Indeed, Koeman is one of them.
Their prior connection from working together with the national team seems to have convinced Wijnaldum further.
The Sunday Mirror cite sources claiming: “Barcelona has always been a big draw for him. It’s a similar situation to when Gareth Bale left Tottenham for Real Madrid in that it is his ultimate destination.”
Liverpool ‘anxious’ about situation
Hence, Liverpool may be fighting a losing battle in their efforts to keep Wijnaldum. They must now focus on getting the best out of him until his contract expires.
The champions remain “anxious” to keep him, the Sunday Mirror state. But it appears the decision has already been made.
The report also points to the signing of Thiago Alcantara last summer as a symbol that Liverpool have been preparing for this exit all along.
Reports elsewhere continue to link them with midfield replacements for Wijnaldum, though.
READ MORE: Expert names star Klopp dreams of replacing Wijnaldum at Liverpool
JUVENTUS DELAY POGBA BID
Juventus will wait until the summer to bid for Paul Pogba as they believe Manchester United will lower their asking price then. (Calciomercato)
David Moyes says West Ham have received no contact from Chelsea or Man Utd over a move for Declan Rice. (Amazon)
Aston Villa are in talks with Marseille over a potential deal for midfielder Morgan Sanson. (Mail on Sunday)
The postponement of Barcelona’s presidential elections means Eric Garcia may not be able to leave Manchester City this month. (Manchester Evening News)
Bournemouth could offer a contract to free agent Jack Wilshere as he continues to train with them. (Talksport)
Borussia Dortmund have lined up PSV forward Donyell Malan as a potential replacement for Man Utd target Jadon Sancho. (Soccer News)
LEEDS IN DHANDA TRANSFER BATTLE
Leeds will rival Bournemouth for the signing of Swansea midfielder Yan Dhanda. (Mail on Sunday)
Benfica midfielder Ronaldo Camara is attracting attention from Premier League clubs after falling out with his current employers. (Mail on Sunday)
Ralph Hasenhuttl has admitted that Southampton cannot “gamble” financially as they hold contract talks with Danny Ings and Ryan Bertrand. (Mail on Sunday)
West Brom want to make three signings in January and one target is Celta Vigo midfielder Okay Yokuslu. (Mail on Sunday)
Barcelona target Lautaro Martinez is close to signing a new contract with Inter Milan. (Sportweek)
Barca boss Ronald Koeman has revealed that goalkeeper Neto has asked to leave the club amid links with Arsenal, but the club are standing in his way. (Metro)
GIROUD TALKS STALL
Talks for Olivier Giroud to join Juventus have stalled, so Chelsea will try to keep the striker. (Mail on Sunday)
Sadio Mane has admitted that Manchester United are “better this year” ahead of their clash with Liverpool. (Sunday Mirror)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that more players could leave Man Utd this month. (Sunday Mirror)
Juan Mata could be one of those, with Valencia lining up a free transfer for their former player. (La Razon)
United midfielder Fred has urged Paul Pogba to stay at the club. (Sunday Mirror)
AND MORE GOSSIP
Swansea City are close to signing USA forward Jordan Morris from Seattle Sounders. (Sunday Telegraph)
Crystal Palace duo Luka Milivojevic and Michy Batshuayi had a training ground bust-up this week. (Sunday Times)
Joshua King’s wage demands are posing a problem for West Ham in their attempts to sign him from Bournemouth. (Mail on Sunday)
West Ham must pay £15m if they are to sign another of their strike targets, Reims’ Boulaye Dia. (The Sun on Sunday)
Arsenal could be tempted into making an offer after Celtic lowered their demands for Odsonne Edouard. (Daily Star Sunday)
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