Rafael Benitez: 'Business as usual for Georginio Wijnaldum'

Georginio Wijnaldum of Newcastle United celebrates as he scores their first goal during the Premier League match against Manchester United at St James' Park on January 12, 2016
© Getty Images
Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez says that Georginio Wijnaldum must continue to be ready to play for the Magpies, despite speculation linking him with Liverpool.

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has said that Georginio Wijnaldum will continue to play a full part in pre-season.

Reports have suggested that Liverpool are keen on the Netherlands international and will be allowed to sign the player should they meet his reported price tag of £25m.

However, Benitez has suggested that a move is not imminent after introducing the playmaker during the final 10 minutes of Newcastle's friendly with Doncaster Rovers on Wednesday night.

Benitez is quoted by Chronicle Live as saying: "I can't really say anything other than that we will have to wait to see what happens. He is still our player and that means he has to be ready for us.

"If something happens [with Liverpool], we will see in the coming days but until something changes, we will continue training and working with him, and we will continue playing him in the games."

Wijnaldum had also been attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur but it is believed that the North London outfit have pulled out of the running for his signature.

Lucas Leiva of Liverpool in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on October 4, 2015 in Liverpool, England.
Read Next:
Newcastle want Lucas in Wijnaldum deal
>

Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal00000000
2Bournemouth00000000
3Burnley00000000
4Chelsea00000000
5Crystal Palace00000000
6Everton00000000
7Hull City00000000
8Leicester CityLeicester00000000
9Liverpool00000000
10Manchester CityMan City00000000
11Manchester UnitedMan Utd00000000
12Middlesbrough00000000
13Southampton00000000
14Stoke CityStoke00000000
15Sunderland00000000
16Swansea CitySwansea00000000
17Tottenham HotspurSpurs00000000
18Watford00000000
19West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom00000000
20West Ham UnitedWest Ham00000000
LIVE SCORES VIDEPRINTER
expand