Express Sport understands Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has made the Dutch midfielder his latest transfer target and hopes to seal a £20m deal.
Wijnaldum arrived with the players to the Keepmoat Stadium but was not named in the match-day squad leading to suggestions a deal with Liverpool could be imminent.
But shortly before kick-off, Newcastle confirmed Wijnaldum and Florian Thauvin were added to the substitutes bench.
Matt Ritchie and Matz Sels start but Dwight Gayle, Isaac Hayden and Jesus Gamez are named on the bench.
Newcastle’s determination to receive at least £27m for Wijnaldum is thought to be holding up the deal.
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