Manchester City are considering a move for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, who is also a target for Tottenham, although the Premier League champions have not yet opened talks with Liverpool and the Reds have no desire to sell.
City are reviewing their attacking options as they prepare for the expected departures of Savinho and potentially Omar Marmoush to Tottenham. Gakpo, who is contracted to Liverpool until 2030, has emerged as a player of interest during that process.
However, Liverpool’s current position is that the 27-year-old is not for sale. The club would probably want to sign two wide forwards before they would feel comfortable allowing Gakpo to leave Anfield.
Gakpo began Liverpool’s Premier League campaign in the starting line-up and scored in their opening match against Newcastle last weekend.
Liverpool have been working on deals for Paris St-Germain pair Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye. They have also made several offers for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh, but each bid has been rejected.
The situation could change if Liverpool strengthen their wide-attacking options, but there have been no club-to-club negotiations between Liverpool and Manchester City over Gakpo at this stage.
City are also progressing with their own plans for the expected sale of Savinho. They have verbally agreed a deal with Palmeiras for Brazilian winger Allan, with the transfer worth up to £34m.
The agreement includes a guaranteed £32m fee and a further £2m in potential add-ons. The clubs have reached a verbal understanding but have not yet exchanged the formal documents required to complete the transfer of the 22-year-old.
Allan will be allowed to travel for a medical once both clubs are satisfied that the outstanding administrative process has been completed. He is being signed as a replacement for fellow Brazilian Savinho.
Tottenham have agreed to pay up to £85m for Savinho, who underwent a medical last week. The move is expected to form part of a wider reshaping of Manchester City’s forward line.
A deal for Marmoush to move from City to Tottenham was described as very close to completion by Sky Sports News last week. Marmoush was named among the substitutes for City’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth but was not brought on.
Savinho’s move and the potential departure of Marmoush could lead City to examine further attacking reinforcements, with Gakpo among the players being assessed. Nevertheless, Liverpool’s reluctance to sell means any approach would face significant resistance.
For now, Manchester City’s only agreement in place is the verbal deal with Palmeiras for Allan, while Tottenham continue to work on their proposed moves for Savinho and Marmoush. Liverpool, meanwhile, remain focused on keeping Gakpo unless they can secure sufficient replacements on the wings.
