Ronald Koeman 'views Georginio Wijnaldum as key signing in Barcelona rebuild'

Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has reportedly identified Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum as a key part of his plans to rebuild the squad.

Wijnaldum has just one year remaining on his current contract at Anfield, and the Premier League champions are not thought to be considering offering him an extension at this stage.

Recent reports had suggested that the 29-year-old has already agreed personal terms with Barcelona, but those are understood to be wide of the mark.

Sky Sports News claims that new boss Koeman does see Wijnaldum as a pivotal member of his rebuilding project, though.

The Dutch boss is set to overhaul his squad after taking over at Camp Nou, with a number of the ageing first-team stars such as Arturo Vidal and Luis Suarez tipped to leave.

Koeman knows Wijnaldum from his time in charge of Netherlands, although the midfielder is thought to be open to the idea of staying at Liverpool if they offer him a new deal.

Jurgen Klopp's side have been heavily linked with a move for Bayern Munich's Thiago Alcantara this summer, casting more doubt over the long-term future of Wijnaldum.