- The Telegraph
Mike McGrath's transfer notebook: Georginio Wijnaldum gives Liverpool hope he might stay at Anfield
Georginio Wijnaldum has given Liverpool hope of staying at Anfield beyond the summer when his contract expires. The Holland international midfielder has been considered by Barcelona and Inter Milan but no pre-contract has been announced and it is understood the door is still open for the 30-year-old to remain on Merseyside with a new contract. Wijnaldum has been able to negotiate his next contract since January ahead of a free transfer. He has attracted admirers across Europe in his five seasons since arriving from Newcastle United and playing a key role in Champions League and Premier League triumphs. He recently insisted he would be “devastated” to leave Liverpool and that he felt happy despite no new deal being agreed to stay. Maximising a free transfer has not been helped by the financial uncertainty following the Covid-19 pandemic, with Spanish clubs reducing their salary caps and other countries impacted. Liverpool themselves need to confirm their Champions League status for 2021/22 which normally affects spending. Wijnaldum staying has not been ruled out and he would remain a key player for Jurgen Klopp, having started all but three league matches this season. The last high-profile player to leave the Premier League on a free was Aaron Ramsey, who agreed to join Juventus and announced his deal in February before moving. Iceland prodigy is a target for Wolves Wolves are interested in signing Iceland prodigy Isak Bergmann Johannesson from IFK Norrkoping but are worried about getting a post-Brexit work permit. Foreign players need to earn enough points to move into England and although the 18-year-old was born in Sutton Coldfield, there are concerns he would not qualify after breaking through and playing regularly in Sweden this season. The teenager, valued at £5 million by his club, is the son of former Wolves midfielder Joey Gudjonsson, who also played for Aston Villa, Burnley and Leicester City. Johannesson was born while his father was playing at Villa. Johannesson has been described as the next Gylfi Sigurdsson to come out of Iceland and made his international debut against England in November. AFC Wimbledon's Matthew Cox on the radar of Manchester United Manchester United have sent scouts to watch AFC Wimbledon goalkeeper Matthew Cox. The 17-year-old has been in the first-team matchday squad this season and has signed a professional deal at Kingsmeadow, with United among the clubs interested in landing him. He made his England Under-17 debut in February, which led to enquiries from Premier League clubs and prompted the Dons to tie him to a senior contract. United have Nathan Bishop, 21, in their squad and Cox is considered a bright prospect for the future who could be loaned out for experience.
