Rafa Benitez reveals his thoughts on Liverpool target Gini Wijnaldum's Newcastle future

Benitez wants to keep Wijnaldum – who came off the bench in tonight's 2-2 draw against Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat Stadium – at St James's Park.

But the odds are on a summer departure, and Liverpool are in advanced talks over a £25million move for the 25-year-old, signed from PSV Eindhoven last summer.

Asked about his former club's interest in Wijnaldum, Benitez said: "I can’t really say anything other than that we will have to wait to see what happens.

"He is still our player and that means he has to be ready for us.

"If something happens (with Liverpool), we will now in some days.

"But until something changes, we will continue training and working with him, and we will continue playing him in the games."

There was a chant of "Gini Wijnaldum, we want you to stay" from a section United's 2,252 travelling fans as the Holland international warmed up.

But some supporters, mindful that he wants to leave the club, booed him on to the pitch in the 79th minute.

Wijnaldum could yet travel to Belgium with his team-mates for Saturday's friendly against Sporting Lokeren.