Liverpool will not be “held to ransom” in contract talks with Georginio Wijnaldum, says John Barnes, with the Reds only interested in players who “want to play for the badge”.
The Netherlands international midfielder is yet to commit to fresh terms at Anfield and is due to hit free agency in the summer of 2021.
He will be free to speak to suitors outside of England from January, with reports of interest from La Liga giants Barcelona refusing to go away.
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Barnes would like to see Liverpool do a deal with Wijnaldum when another transfer window opens, as they explore other recruitment options in the new year, but is not convinced that they should be bowing to pressure when it comes to salary demands.