Tottenham Hotspur have made contact over a deal to sign Liverpool star Cody Gakpo this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Spurs have been very busy in the market with six signings so far, and the club are now working hard to make further additions, with manager Roberto De Zerbi prioritising new forward options for his squad ahead of the new campaign.
Man City star Savinho is understood to be the leading target for the wing, but the north London club are also keen to bring in someone alongside him who can play across the front line, and the Netherlands star has emerged as the main priority.
Gakpo is understood to have emerged as a target for Spurs this summer, with Roberto De Zerbi believed to be a major fan of the fact he can play across the forward line, including as a number nine.
Liverpool are not pushing a sale of the Dutchman, and reports suggest they would demand at least £70m to let him leave, having used Anthony Gordon's move to Barcelona earlier in the window as a measuring stick for their valuation.
Now Romano, speaking on his latest YouTube video, has revealed that Spurs have spoken to the player's representatives to make initial contact over a move, but explained that any deal won't be easy to do.
"I told you to keep an eye on Cody Gakpo because Gakpo is a target for Tottenham," he said.
"Tottenham had contact with the agency representing Gakpo. Tottenham liked the player and believed he could be the right addition for Roberto De Zerbi. Now [it] depends on the price.
"Liverpool are not pushing Gakpo out, Liverpool are very happy with Cody Gakpo. So the only way to change the story, and to let Gakpo go to Tottenham, and to open doors, because so far Liverpool never wanted to open doors, even during the World Cup and the whole month of July, Liverpool were insisting on keeping Cody Gakpo.
"The only way to open doors is if Tottenham present a really good financial proposal. In that case, if the player wants to go, it could change the stance.
"So let's follow the Gakpo story. But Liverpool are not pushing the player out. So let me say this is not a guaranteed deal.This is something that is being discussed, but is not guaranteed, because for Liverpool, Gakpo is still an important player. This would be in addition to Savinho."
Spurs Must Pay Up or Move On
Gakpo has been a regular player for Liverpool since joining from PSV Eindhoven, and the left wing has become his position. But his performances last season weren't the most impressive, and that has led to speculation he could be on the move.
However, Liverpool's squad is razor thin currently, especially in attack, and while they pursue a deal for Bradley Barcola, they won't be willing to sell anyone easily.
If Tottenham are serious about their pursuit of Gakpo, and it seems they are, then they must make a decision on how high they are willing to pay and make that offer. If a deal can't be done, they don't have the time to keep waiting and they will be able to move on to alternative options.