Liverpool to tick top contract extension off list after breakthrough in talks

Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is closing in on an extension of at least three years to his contract, according to a report.

The Netherlands international is entering the final year of the deal which brought him to Anfield from Newcastle in 2016.

He has become an unmissable figure for Jurgen Klopp in recent seasons, alongside Fabinho and Jordan Henderson.

Previous reports claimed that Liverpool intend to nail their key stars down to fresh terms after backing away from Timo Werner and, according to respected journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Reds have begun that process.

Romano claims in The Guardian that Liverpool are hopeful of agreeing an extension after “positive talks” with the midfielder.

Wijnaldum will sign a new deal until 2024 or 2025, with wages not an issue for either party.

Liverpool made a breakthrough in talks when they offered Wijnaldum the assurances he wanted.

In particular, the 29-year-old was keen to ensure he would remain a regular part of Klopp’s plans.

Wijnaldum has grown in stature over recent seasons to become one of Liverpool’s vital midfielders.

He has popped up with vital goal contributions, scoring three in Champions League semi-finals.

The earlier report also claimed Liverpool are also keen to extend Alisson and Virgil van Dijk’s Anfield contracts.

Van Dijk and Alisson represented Liverpool’s last significant spending spree, bought in January and summer 2018.

Both have become key parts in the Reds’ defence which boasted the Premier League’s best defensive record last term.

LALLANA AGREES LIVERPOOL EXTENSION

Adam Lallana Liverpool TEAMtalk

In other news, Adam Lallana has agreed on a short-term extension to his contract to allow him to finish the season.

The former England international’s contract runs out at the end of the season.

He has played 22 times this season, scoring his only goal away at Manchester United in October.

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