Stephen Warnock urges Liverpool to get a deal done for Gini Wijnaldum

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Stephen Warnock has told Stadium Astro that Liverpool need to tie down Gini Wijnaldum’s future as soon as they can, despite his poor performance against Fulham on Sunday evening – as the Reds failed to beat Scott Parker’s side.

Wijnaldum, 30, struggled to provide the difference on Sunday evening as Liverpool dropped points. Fulham took the elad through Bobby Decordova-Reid, only for Mo Salah to rescue a point from the penalty spot. It sees Liverpool remain in second.

The Netherlands international’s future remains in doubt. His contract is up next summer, meaning he can talk to non-English sides on a Bosman deal from January 1 and agree a pre-contract deal on a free transfer. Liverpool will be fighting against that.

Jurgen Klopp has made it clear he wants Wijnaldum to sign a new deal, while the midfielder has stated he does not want to talk about it. Warnock believes Liverpool must get a deal done – as it would cost £50-£60million to replace the ex-Newcastle man.

“100% I would,” Warnock said, when asked if he would tie down Wijnaldum. “To go into the market to buy someone like Wijnaldum, you’re looking at £50-£60million. Do Liverpool have the finances to do that? No.

“When Liverpool signed Keita and Fabinho, Wijnaldum lifted his game. He is Klopp’s go-to man. He fits into Liverpool’s system so so well. We’ve all see the links with Barcelona. That’s a massive project, while Liverpool are in an incredible moment.”

TBR’s view – Warnock has it bang on, so why is a deal stuttering?

When everyone is fit, and especially after the signing of Thiago, does Wijnaldum start? Is Curtis Jones already showing that he is a long-term replacement for Wijnaldum? Certainly, Wijnaldum may only have one or two years left at Anfield.

The Dutchman may be thinking he would prefer a long-term contract somewhere else, in order to give he and his family more security. A move to Barcelona, especially on a Bosman, would see him get a longer deal – and under Ronald Koeman.