The Telegraph report that Newcastle United are not currently pursuing a deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain star Gini Wijnaldum. However, it is believed that the new owners will make a move later in the window.
Wijnaldum, 31, has struggled since moving to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer from Liverpool in the summer. The Netherlands international almost joined Barcelona, only to be tempted by a move to PSG late on.
While he has clocked up 22 appearances in the first half of the season, only 12 of those have been starts. Of his 22, he has only completed 90 minutes on four occasions. An unused sub in three games, Wijnaldum is frustrated.
Little surprise, then, he is one of the names being linked with Newcastle. The report from The Telegraph claims that while a loan deal for Wijnaldum is not being pursued right now, it is likely it could be later on in the window.
Wijnaldum to Newcastle: Why a move makes sense for all parties
During his time at Newcastle, Wijnaldum was immense. He scored 11 goals and laid on five assists in 40 games for the Toon. While his exit was messy, Newcastle fans are seemingly keen to see Wijnaldum back on Tyneside.
Newcastle’s priority in the first half of the window will surely be improving the defence. Kieran Trippier is imminent, but a centre-back or two might be brought in. A striker is also a priority, after Callum Wilson’s injury.
But Newcastle have needed more quality in midfield, even with Steve Bruce trying to sign one last summer. Wijnaldum has the creativity and quality, but also the guile, aggression and work rate required for a relegation scrap.
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