Transfer Centre

Rafael Benitez keen to keep Newcastle United duo at St James' Park

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 16 July 2016

Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez says that he still hopes to keep Georginio Wijnaldum and Moussa Sissoko at St James' Park for the upcoming campaign.

Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has suggested that the Magpies will do all they can to keep Georginio Wijnaldum and Moussa Sissoko at the club.

Both players have been linked with big-money moves to clubs in the Premier League but with their price-tags said to range from between £25m and £35m, Benitez has hinted that he is hopeful of keeping the pair at St James' Park for another 12 months.

The 56-year-old told the Newcastle Chronicle: "Our idea is to keep these players, if it's possible, but we know how football is now and the market and agents.

"Gini has trained really well, and I'm very happy with him, and Moussa, I rate him very highly. He was very good for us at the end of the season and in the Euros.

"We know what is going on. A lot of people will be asking for them, but at the moment, we will see if they can stay and improve the team."

Wijnaldum featured in each of Newcastle's league fixtures last season, scoring 11 goals, while Sissoko has been with the North-East giants since January 2013.