Transfer Centre

Rafael Benitez: 'Business as usual for Georginio Wijnaldum'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 20 July 2016

Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez says that Georginio Wijnaldum must continue to be ready to play for the Magpies, despite speculation linking him with Liverpool.

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has said that Georginio Wijnaldum will continue to play a full part in pre-season.

Reports have suggested that Liverpool are keen on the Netherlands international and will be allowed to sign the player should they meet his reported price tag of £25m.

However, Benitez has suggested that a move is not imminent after introducing the playmaker during the final 10 minutes of Newcastle's friendly with Doncaster Rovers on Wednesday night.

Benitez is quoted by Chronicle Live as saying: "I can't really say anything other than that we will have to wait to see what happens. He is still our player and that means he has to be ready for us.

"If something happens [with Liverpool], we will see in the coming days but until something changes, we will continue training and working with him, and we will continue playing him in the games."

Wijnaldum had also been attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur but it is believed that the North London outfit have pulled out of the running for his signature.