Manchester City have opened discussions with Liverpool about a possible move for Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo, with the transfer understood to be progressing despite late interest from Tottenham.
Liverpool are now assessing their position after City made contact late in the transfer window. Personal terms are also being discussed with Gakpo, as Manchester City explore whether they can complete a deal for the 26-year-old before the deadline.
One source has indicated that the proposed move is advancing in Manchester City’s favour, although Tottenham remain interested in the player. Spurs had also identified Gakpo as a target earlier in the window, before completing deals for Savio and Omar Marmoush.
Liverpool are preparing to sign Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth £106m, potentially rising to £123m. That incoming transfer could influence the club’s thinking over Gakpo, although his possible departure would still leave Liverpool considering the consequences of making a late change to their squad.
Manchester City’s interest comes after the club allowed Savio and Omar Marmoush to join Tottenham earlier this month. Those departures have reduced Enzo Maresca’s options in wide attacking positions.
The shortage was evident during City’s victory over Crystal Palace on Friday. They did not name a single winger among their substitutes and started with Phil Foden in a wide position at Selhurst Park. Enzo Maresca has acknowledged that Foden is not naturally a winger.
Jack Grealish, who is attracting interest from Everton and Sunderland, was also absent for the match against Palace. Grealish is believed to favour a return to Everton, further limiting Manchester City’s available options in that area.
Gakpo’s potential move would therefore come at a time when City are attempting to reshape their attacking options. Negotiations remain under way, with discussions involving both Liverpool and the player.
Liverpool are also expected to complete the signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain before Tuesday’s deadline. The club signed Victor Munoz from Osasuna earlier this summer, adding to their attacking options.
Tottenham’s previous interest in Gakpo remains part of the wider picture, but their recent acquisitions of Savio and Omar Marmoush have changed the circumstances around any possible move for the Liverpool forward.
No agreement has yet been confirmed between Manchester City and Liverpool, but talks have advanced and personal terms are being considered. With the deadline approaching, Liverpool must decide whether to retain Gakpo or allow him to leave while finalising their move for Barcola.
