Liverpool want to sign two new wingers before letting Cody Gakpo join either Manchester City or Tottenham Hotspur, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed.
Liverpool have already paid Osasuna €40million (£34m) for Spanish winger Victor Munoz this summer, and they are now in talks for Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola and Yankuba Minteh of Brighton. Minteh is viewed as Mohamed Salah’s successor on the right flank, while Barcola could replace Gakpo off the left.
In recent weeks, Spurs have been leading the charge for Gakpo. Roberto De Zerbi has already convinced Spurs to splash out £135m on Man City duo Savinho and Omar Marmoush, and Gakpo is his next attacking target.
According to Dutch journalist Mounir Boualin of Soccer News, Spurs have failed with a £60m approach for Gakpo.
The north London side are now facing competition from City for the Netherlands international.
Soccer News’ report added that City have contacted Gakpo and his camp to tee up a shock potential transfer. If they get the green light to proceed, then City will open talks with Liverpool.
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Romano then confirmed Boualin’s reporting by writing on X: ‘Manchester City made contact with Cody Gakpo’s camp today, as @MounirBoualin reported.
‘Talks have started while Tottenham remain in active discussions for Cody and with personal terms in place. Race on.’
In a follow-up post, Romano clarified Liverpool’s plans. ‘Liverpool will only sell Cody Gakpo if they can get two wingers in next 8 days; priority remains Bradley Barcola,’ he wrote.
‘Tottenham verbally agreed terms with Gakpo since July, Man City now also in active talks with his agents.
‘Player to decide but also based on #LFC wingers plans.’
Liverpool have had offers for Barcola worth €100m (£86m) and €115m (£98m) rejected by PSG so far. PSG have dropped their demands for the Frenchman from €170m (£145m) to €146m (£125m), but there is still significant work for Liverpool to do.
Liverpool, Man City both plotting winger signings
Liverpool have also had bids for Minteh worth £50m and £60m rejected by Brighton. The Reds are currently holding internal discussions over whether to increase their proposal to £70m.
Liverpool are understood to want around £70m to let Gakpo leave. They are not actively looking to sell Gakpo but will let him depart if they receive a big offer and get in two wingers.
City, meanwhile, could bid for Gakpo to help them replace Spurs-bound Savinho.
The crucial factor in the pursuit of Gakpo might be the type of role on offer at his next club.
Soccer News add that Spurs want to give the 27-year-old a ‘key role’, whereas City view him as more of a squad player.
Gakpo may therefore pick Spurs over City in order to prioritise regular starts.