Liverpool are facing a frantic end to the summer transfer window, with Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur stepping up their interest in Cody Gakpo.
Manchester City have emerged as serious contenders for the 27-year-old, with Enzo Maresca keen to add the versatile forward to his attacking options.
City made contact with Gakpo’s camp on Monday to signal their interest. However, there has been no formal contact between the two clubs, although an official approach could follow before the deadline.
Meanwhile, Tottenham have been interested in Gakpo for some time and, according to SoccerNews.nl’s Mounir Boualin, saw a first bid worth £60million rejected. Spurs are planning to return with an improved offer this week.
Boualin posted on X: “The game is on regarding Cody Gakpo. Tottenham, which has been interested for some time, saw a first bid of 60 million pounds rejected. Spurs want to return this week with a new bid. And now Manchester City has shown interest as well. Eight more days until the market in England closes.”
Despite Manchester City’s late interest, Tottenham remain firmly in the race for Gakpo and have reportedly done significant groundwork on a potential deal.
Spurs have been tracking the Liverpool forward for several weeks. Tottenham are also closing in on Manchester City’s Savinho and Omar Marmoush, but their interest in Gakpo remains strong.
Liverpool would need to secure a high-quality replacement before allowing Gakpo to leave. The Dutchman underlined his importance to Liverpool by scoring a superb goal in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle United.
Gakpo signed a five-year contract extension just 12 months ago, with his current Liverpool deal running until the summer of 2030.
With Bradley Barcola and Yankuba Minteh among the players linked, Andoni Iraola’s side could face a difficult decision before the transfer window closes.