West Ham are interested in signing Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum from Newcastle United, according to a report from the Daily Mail.
However, Serie A side Roma are also interested in signing the 25-year-old who could depart St James’ Park after the Magpies were relegated to the Championship.
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has full control over the ins and outs at the north-east side and with the club not needing to sell any players, Wijnaldum might well be forced to spend a season in the Championship, unless a huge offer comes in, one that Newcastle can’t turn down.
His agent, Humphrey Nijman, recently spoke about his client’s future on an Italian radio show. He said:
Newcastle have been relegated to the second division, so now the player has to think about his future. At the moment, I can’t say anymore, and I can’t talk about negotiations. Roma are a great club, one of the best in Europe.
There is talk that Wijnaldum is valued at around £15million, although Nijman was not able to confirm if that is indeed the case.
How much would he cost? I can’t answer that, it’s the club that decides a player’s price. I only take care of Wijnaldum’s contract.
Wijnaldum only arrived at Newcastle last summer. He scored 11 league goals in his first season and earned many plaudits.
West Ham are looking to be active in the transfer market as they look to build a squad capable of competing in Europe next season and Wijnaldum could be a handy addition if they can beat Roma to his signature.
