Liverpool confident of striking £20m deal for 11-goal Championship midfielder

Liverpool have reportedly joined the chase to sign Netherlands international Georginio Wijnaldum this summer, according to The Telegraph.

The Premier League side, who visit Arsenal during the opening weekend of the new 2016/17 English top-flight campaign on August 14, have registered an interest in signing the Newcastle United midfielder following Rafael Benitez’s side’s relegation to the Championship back in May.

Wijnaldum (Right) scored against Liverpool in Newcastle’s 2-0 victory over the Reds back in December, 2015 – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

The 25-year-old, who has 30 international caps for his country, scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 40 appearances in all competitions for the Magpies last season.

Wijnaldum, who only arrived at St James’ Park back in July 2015 for a reported £14.5m following his switch from Eredivisie outfit PSV Eindhoven, is valued at around the £27m mark by Newcastle officials.

However; the report suggests that Jurgen Klopp’s Reds are confident of striking a deal nearer to £20m.

The Telegraph also suggests several other Premier League clubs are interested in Wijnaldum’s services, but Liverpool have now emerged as the frontrunners to snatch the Dutchman’s signature.