INTER MILAN have entered the transfer race for Georginio Wijnaldum, according to reports.
Barcelona appeared to be in pole position to land the Liverpool star but could not agree a deal over the summer.
Inter Milan and Barcelona are both chasing Georginio Wijnaldum who is out contract next summerCredit: Getty – Pool
And according to Calciomercarto, the San Siro outfit are hoping to swoop.
The report suggests Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta has placed Wijnaldum on his wish list.
As things stand, he has only made a request for information but an official approach to Liverpool could come within weeks.
Wijnaldum turned 30 last week and is out of contract at the end of the season so needs to make a decision on his future – after again refusing to commit to Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp is understandably keen to keep the Dutch midfielder, who has 19 goals in 199 Reds appearances.
It is thought he has been offered a 40 per cent pay rise from £75,000 to £105,000 to stay at Anfield.
But after winning the Premier League and Champions League with the Kop club and now in his sixth season in England, he may be ready for change.
Inter, though, would need to clear out some of their unwanted players to make room for Wijnaldum with midfielders Christian Eriksen, Matias Vecino and Radja Nainggolan all on the chopping block.
They would still face a battle for his signature from Barcelona, though.
After missing out on him in the summer, the Nou Camp side will no doubt resurrect their interest in January – whether that be for an immediate transfer or to arrange a pre-contract deal for the summer.
New Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman has not had things all his own way since arriving at the LaLiga giants.
But reuniting with Wijnaldum – who played some of his best football under Koeman for the Netherlands national team – could help him get on track.
The report adds Koeman has made the request to sign the ex-Newcastle midfielder to Barcelona chiefs.
Despite his age, the board are thought to be keen but their dire financial position could make any deal impossible.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
