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)

Report: Newcastle want Lucas or Flanagan as part of Wijnaldum deal

Newcastle reportedly want a Liverpool player as part of the deal to take midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum to Anfield.

That’s according to a report in the Mail on Monday, who name Jon Flanagan and Lucas Leiva as two players the Magpies are interested in.

They were also said to have been interested in Jordon Ibe before he left for Bournemouth, to replace winger Matt Ritchie who went to Newcastle instead.

Lucas, of course, is a firm favourite of Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez’s – with the Spaniard having signed him for the Reds in 2007.

A move to Newcastle for the Brazilian would be an interesting one – dropping down from the top flight but guaranteeing first-team football under a manager he clearly knows and appreciates.

EINDHOVEN, THE NETHERLANDS - Monday, December 8, 2008: Liverpool's manager Rafael Benitez and Lucas Leiva during a press conference at the Philips Stadium ahead of the final UEFA Champions League Group D mach against PSV Eindhoven. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Lucas had been reported to be close to a move to Turkey with Fenerbahce and Galatasary both linked with a deal for the player – who has one year left on his contract at Anfield. A reunion with Benitez though could prove the lure for the 29-year-old, and keep him in England.

Reports over the week suggested Flanagan wasn’t expecting to leave Liverpool this summer, but the 23-year-old is still struggling for full fitness after serious knee injuries and may find his opportunities very limited this season.

Again, dropping down a division would be good for the player, allowing him to get regular football, before hopefully returning to the top flight the following season.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are reportedly unwilling to meet Newcastle’s £25 million valuation for Wijnaldum, putting Liverpool firmly in the box seat to sign the Dutchman.

A report in the north-east on Monday claims Wijnaldum will head to Merseyside on Monday night, with Liverpool seemingly keen to get a deal for him and defender Ragnar Klavan ahead of the squad flying out to America on Thursday.

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