Liverpool midfielder agrees pre-contract deal with Barcelona

Netherlands midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has agreed to join Barcelona when his contract with Liverpool expires at the end of June.

The Dutchman has been with the Reds for nearly five seasons, but he appears set to pursue a fresh challenge during the backend of his career.

He had been in contract talks with the Merseyside giants, but no breakthrough was made due to a disagreement over personal terms.

According to The Times, the midfielder will ply his trade for the Blaugrana next season after agreeing a pre-contract deal.

The former Newcastle United man is set to be reunited with manager Ronald Koeman, who was previously his national team head coach.

Koeman has been pressure due to the Blaugrana's inconsistent displays, but he has recently turned the corner with a strong league run.

The club are currently four points behind leaders Atletico Madrid and could catch them by the end of the campaign.

Koeman's job is reportedly secure for another year regardless of the club's fortunes for the rest of the season.