Liverpool Transfer News: Georginio Wijnaldum Wants Reds Move Amid Latest Rumours

Newcastle United midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum reportedly "has his heart set" on a move to Liverpool after the Reds assumed pole position in the hunt for his signature this summer. 

The two clubs are already said to be in negotiations, but it helps Liverpool's case that Wijnaldum is supposedly eager to make the trip to Anfield, according to Dutch daily De Telegraaf (h/t Sport Witness).

PAUL ELLIS/Getty Images

Newcastle were relegated from the Premier League last season, and it appears increasingly likely Wijnaldum will not stick with the Magpies for their 2016-17 campaign in the Championship.

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp recently received a boost in his pursuit of the Netherlands international, after Matt Law of the Telegraph reported Tottenham Hotspur have failed to see value in the deal:

According to De Telegraaf, Liverpool could be able to make a deal happen at €25 million (£20.9 million), but interest from the big-spending powers of the Chinese Super League could push the price up.

Broadcaster Nik Postinger has already suggested it could be a significantly higher fee Liverpool will have to pay for the player, although he also agreed the club could do better for their money:

Wijnaldum arrived at St James' Park from PSV Eindhoven last summer, and the 25-year-old was a frequent bright spark during an otherwise dour campaign for manager Rafa Benitez's side.

In fact, Wijnaldum managed to finish as the club's top scorer in his maiden Premier League campaign, and Liverpool writer Melissa Reddy hailed his potential impact at Anfield:

New Liverpool signing Sadio Mane may not be considered a midfielder by definition, but Wijnaldum is certainly capable of filling in that role and has shown promise as a No. 10 or closer to the wings in the past.

The Reds may also be forced to analyse their creative options in case talisman Philippe Coutinho moves. Patrick Surlis of Sky Sports reported in June that Paris Saint-Germain were interested in the Brazilian.

Speculation regarding Coutinho's future has since gone cold, but Klopp could still look to add another attacker to his ranks after Wijnaldum stuck out with Newcastle last season.

With Newcastle relegated and the player eager to move, Liverpool need only match the Magpies' estimation in order to bring Wijnaldum to Merseyside, but that could be the most difficult part of the equation.