GINI OFF TO BARCA WITH MATE DEPAY

GINI WIJNALDUM is still planning to join Barcelona in the summer because he wants to play alongside Lionel Messi – and Holland team-mate Memphis Depay.

It has been suggested that the 30-year-old Liverpool midfielder is thinking of performing a U-turn by signing a new contract to stay at Anfield as the financial situation at cashstrapped Barca takes a heavy toll.

But he has told friends in Holland that he still sees his future at the Nou Camp.

Wijnaldum’s head has been turned by the prospect of having Messi on his side, with the Argentine now increasingly likely to stay in Spain.

But Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman is also closing in on Lyon forward Depay – the ‘other half’ in a formidable partnership with Holland since Wijnaldum was asked to play as a No.10.

It was Koeman’s idea to give the Anfield midfielder a more attacking brief when he was coach of the Dutch national team.

Wijnaldum and Depay both excelled as Holland reached the final of the Nations League two years ago.

Koeman (below) has been told by new Barcelona president Joan Laporta that there will be a limited transfer budget with the club more than £1billion in debt.

But both Wijnaldum and Depay are out of contract. And while the Liverpool star has loved his five years at Anfield since arriving from Newcastle in a £25million deal, he won’t be staying.

He has helped the Merseysiders win the Champions League and Premier League in successive seasons.

And Reds boss Jurgen Klopp wants him to remain.

But Wijnaldum’s agent Humphrey Nijman has been able to negotiate the terms of a three-year contract that fits Barcelona’s pay structure.

Liverpool are reluctant to offer more than a two-year extension.

Wijnaldum is also attracting interest from Italy – but his focus is now on Barcelona.

Koeman wanted to sign former Manchester United flop Depay and Wijnaldum last year, but the cost of the pandemic, and boardroom problems that prompted Messi to demand a move, meant the two deals were put on ice.

Power behind the glory for Gerrard’s Rangers heroes - See pullout

MOVING TARGET Gini’s on his way