Real Madrid make move to sign Liverpool central midfielder as shock Hazard alternative - report
By Harry Sykes
Real Madrid have made a move to sign Liverpool central midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, according to a report.
Italian transfer site Tutto Mercato Web claim the Spanish giants have made contract with the representatives of the Holland international as they eye a summer swoop.
It is said that Real are eyeing Wijnaldum as an alternative target to Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard.
Tutto Mercato Web report that the Premier League leaders are confident that they can tie the Belgium superstar down to a new contract, although they are waiting on him to green light the deal.
In the meantime, Real have come up with a shock plan B in the shape of Wijnaldum, who has spent almost the entirety of an impressive debut campaign at Liverpool in central midfield.
The Dutchman was used in an attacking midfield slot at former club Newcastle but has been used in a deeper role by Jurgen Klopp since his £25million transfer last summer.
Wijnaldum has made 39 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool this season, scoring five goals and supplying eight assists.
Football Insider verdict:
Even Wijnaldum's biggest admirer is unlikely to admit that he is in any way, shape or form a like-for-like alternative for Hazard. The Chelsea wide man is a dazzling ball carrier who can beat destroy defences singlehandedly, possessing a skill set that sets him apart from any other Premier League player. Wijnaldum is a fine player, technically gifted, energetic and intelligent, but he is no Hazard. That's not to say the Real link is complete nonsense, as the Dutchman has proved since his big-money move to Anfield that he is the real deal who can operate among the best. In central midfield, though. Not as a playmaking genius a la Hazard.
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