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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 agree £25 million deal to sign Georginio Wijnaldum

Liverpool are believed to have agreed a deal to sign Newcastle United midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum.

Wijnaldum emerged as a target for the Reds following the breakdown of their move for Udinese’s Piotr Zielinski, and were believed to be vying with Tottenham Hotspur for his signature.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side since pulled out of the race, with the north London side deterred by Newcastle‘s lofty valuation of £27 million.

But according to widespread reports, the Reds have now agreed a £25 million deal with Newcastle, with add-ons.

Jurgen Klopp and his squad flew out to California for their US tour in the early hours of Thursday morning, and Wijnaldum can now join them across the Atlantic shortly.

Wijnaldum is desperate to make the switch to Anfield, and therefore personal terms are unlikely to prove an issue, particularly given the 25-year-old is reportedly earning around £60,000 per week on his current Magpies contract.

Wijnaldum could join Klopp’s squad for clashes with Chelsea (July 27), AC Milan (July 30) and AS Roma (August 1), and will likely come as a replacement for Joe Allen.

Stoke City saw their £13 million bid for the Welshman accepted on Wednesday, with Swansea City among the other clubs considering whether to match this offer.

Allen is unlikely to travel to the US after his summer break, as he is free to discuss personal terms with the Potters.

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 took part in Newcastle‘s 2-2 draw with Doncaster Rovers on Wednesday night, coming on for the final 11 minutes as Rafa Benitez’s side came back from 2-0 down.

An intelligent, athletic midfielder with an eye for goal, Wijnaldum will boost Klopp’s squad in a number of positions, able to thrive on either flank, in a deeper role or behind the striker.

The Netherlands international could become Klopp’s fifth signing of the summer, following Joel Matip (free), Loris Karius (£4.7 million), Sadio Mane (£30 million) and Ragnar Klavan (£4.2 million).

With projected sales of Allen, Christian Benteke and Lazar Markovic among others joining those of Jordon Ibe (£15 million), Sergi Canos (£2.5 million), Martin Skrtel (£5.5 million) and Jerome Sinclair (£4 million), Liverpool could break even in the transfer market.

Despite this, Klopp will have added to his squad significantly, as well as trimming the considerable deadwood on Merseyside.



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