Newcastle United's Georginio Wijnaldum celebrates his goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James' Park, Newcastle, England, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2015. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

Liverpool move to sign Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum from Newcastle United

After moves for Piotr Zielinski and Mahmoud Dahoud dissolved, Liverpool have targeted Newcastle United’s Georginio Wijnaldum.

The 25-year-old has emerged as a surprise target for Reds manager Jurgen Klopp, who is determined to bolster his midfield ranks this summer.

Klopp turned his attention away from Zielinski on Saturday, with the Poland international poised to join AC Milan instead, and his focus has now move to Wijnaldum.

According to reporters including the Express‘ Paul Joyce, Liverpool are hoping to agree a fee worth up to £20 million in the coming days.

Liverpool would face competition from both Everton and Tottenham Hotspur in their pursuit, but Klopp is said to be eager to secure a deal.

Wijnaldum joined the Magpies from PSV Eindhoven last summer, in a £14.5 million, and scored 11 goals in 38 Premier League games wearing the No. 5 shirt.

This included a strike against Liverpool in Newcastle‘s 2-0 win at Anfield in December.

A powerful, mobile midfielder capable of shining in a number of roles, Wijnaldum would add to the competition in Klopp’s ranks.

This would likely see a departure for Joe Allen, however, with the 26-year-old set for talks with the club on his return from holiday on July 26.

Sevilla, Southampton and Swansea City are among the clubs interested in signing the Welshman, with Liverpool looking for a big-money fee despite Allen being in the final year of his contract.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, February 3, 2016: Newcastle United's Georginio Wijnaldum in action against Everton during the Premier League match at Goodison Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Wijnaldum would provide Klopp with an excellent replacement for Allen, boasting the athleticism and technical quality required to shine in the German’s midfield setup.

Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez is said to be interested in taking one of Liverpool’s young players on loan as part of the deal, with Sheyi Ojo named as one of his potential targets.

Moving for a player from a recently relegated club may not appease supporters desperate for marquee names, but in Wijnaldum, Liverpool would be acquiring a midfielder with the ability to thrive at the very top end of the English top flight.

If he accepts a likely squad role under Klopp on Merseyside, Wijnaldum would prove an excellent signing.

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