Tottenham’s head coach admires Newcastle’s Georginio Wijnaldum but Liverpool are in pole position.
Georginio Wijnaldum scores the third goal for Newcastle from the penalty spot
Tottenham Hotspur were a week ago seen as the favourites to land Newcastle winger Georginio Wijnaldum, despite it being claimed at the time that chairman Daniel Levy was reluctant to pay the asking price.
His desire to hang firm has seen Liverpool nip in as lead contenders for his signature, but head coach Mauricio Pochettino is not kicking up a fuss.
The Mirror claim Pochettino is a big admirer of Wijnaldum, but is in total agreement that the £25 million plus that Newcastle are demanding is simply too much.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino and his staff
The same paper reports Liverpool are so confident of getting a deal done, that they are making preparations to conduct a medical this week with the Dutchman.
Wijnaldum would become Liverpool’s most expensive addition of the transfer window but they are attempting to reduce the fee by offering players in part-exchange.
The attacking midfielder scored 11 goals last season for Newcastle, with four coming in one game against Norwich City.
Tottenham are poised to complete a cheaper deal for Marseille’s Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, which The Guardian report will cost them £11 million.
Georginio Wijnaldum celebrates after scoring the first goal for Newcastle
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
