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Georginio Wijnaldum is in “early stage” talks with Newcastle over a £15million transfer.

But the Dutch ace has a host of European clubs chasing his signature, and a deal to join the Geordies is said by Newcastle not to be imminent at this stage.

Sunderland kicked off the race for Wijnaldum two weeks ago, but dropped out of the bidding last week.

The 24-year-old was left out of a pre-season friendly for PSV Eindhoven at the weekend.

He was said, by sources in Holland, to be close to signing for a “prestigious Premier League club”, with Newcastle at the head of the queue.

The Magpies, though, say he is one of a large number of enquiries being made to improve their squad.

Dutch title-winning Wijnaldum could command a £60,000-a-week deal, and negotiations are ongoing.

New manager Steve McClaren has assured frustrated fans that “hard work” is being done behind the scenes to ensure the “right players come through the door.”