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)

Liverpool target Georginio Wijnaldum plays in Newcastle friendly

Liverpool target Georginio Wijnaldum ended up playing the final minutes of Newcastle‘s friendly on Wednesday night, having originally been left out of the squad.

The Dutch midfielder has been linked with a move to Merseyside this week, with some reports having suggested a move was close, but others insisting the relegated Magpies want £27 million for the top goalscorer last season.

Newcastle were in action at Doncaster Rovers on Wednesday evening and Wijnaldum was originally left out of Rafa Benitez’s squad – heightening speculation of an imminent move to Liverpool.

The 25-year-old though, was later added to the subs list and appeared for the final 11 minutes, replacing Jonjo Shelvey as Rafa Benitez’s side came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2.

Speaking after their game, Benitez said: “I can’t really say anything other than that we will have to wait to see what happens.

“He is still our player and that means he has to be ready for us.

“If something happens (with Liverpool), we will know in some days.

“But until something changes, we will continue training and working with him, and we will continue playing him in the games.”

Benitez was seemingly keen on a reunion with Reds’ midfielder Lucas Leiva, but the 29-year-old Brazilian limped out of Liverpool’s friendly at Huddersfield with a hamstring injury, which could scupper that potential move.

Jurgen Klopp has been to get his new signings – five so far – added to the squad early in pre-season, and will be wanting the Wijnaldum chase to allow for him to join the squad in America over the next 12 days.

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