Wijnaldum rues failure to KO Mags

Ex-Magpie Georginio Wijnaldum reckons that Liverpool merited all three points, despite being held to a 1-1 draw at Newcastle yesterday.

Philippe Coutinho put Liverpool in front with a magnificent strike from range, but Joselu (pictured) levelled. “We didn’t score the chances we had and that makes it frustrating, because I think we deserved to win,” midfielder Wijnaldum – who hit the post at 0-0 on his St James’s Park return – told Liverpoolfc.com.

“We gave two chances away – one was the goal and the other was in the second half from a set-piece.

“We had clear chances, good opportunities to score a goal, but, unfortunately, we didn’t take them.”

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp left St James’s Park frustrated.

“We were the more active and the better side and created more chances, which we should used use,” said the German.

“We should have won. I have to accept it. If you dominate, you cannot avoid each counter-attack. I cannot imagine one situation where they had a chance on the counter-attack.”

On Joselu’s goal, Klopp added: “It was a good pass (from Jonjo Shelvey) for the goal, at the right moment.

“For me, it looked like the centre-halves didn’t see the ball with Shelvey, because two or three players are in front of them. If they see it, they have to make a step and Joselu is offside. In the end, it’s unlucky.”

Newcastle have signed non-disclosure agreements with a series of potential investors as owner Mike Ashley attempts to find a way forward for the club.

The Magpies have held initial talks with several interested parties – but no deal is imminent.

The news follows reports of an approach by a Chinese consortium and claims that Ashley is ready to drop his asking price to £380million.

Those reports were played down by sources on Tyneside, but it is clear that the club is on the international radar. Financier Amanda Staveley was in the crowd for yesterday’s game.