Manchester City Open Liverpool Talks Over Cody Gakpo Transfer

Manchester City have opened talks with Liverpool over a possible transfer for Cody Gakpo, according to BBC Sport. The report says City made formal contact with Liverpool on Saturday evening about the Netherlands international, bringing the forward's future into focus before Tuesday's transfer deadline.

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BBC Sport reports that both City and Tottenham Hotspur have shown concrete interest in the 27-year-old. Sources cited by the broadcaster indicate that City would be Gakpo's preferred destination if he leaves Anfield, but there is no reported agreement between the clubs and a move remains uncertain.

Liverpool's position is complicated by their own work in the transfer market. The club has agreed a deal worth up to £123 million for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, but the BBC says Liverpool would prefer to add another forward before approving Gakpo's departure. Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr are among the players in whom Liverpool have shown interest.

Gakpo joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 and has scored 33 goals in 91 Premier League appearances. He has also contributed directly in both of Liverpool's league matches this season, scoring in the draw at Newcastle and providing the assist for Alexander Isak during Saturday's 2-2 home draw with Nottingham Forest.

Liverpool regard Gakpo as an experienced, versatile Premier League attacker, according to the report. His place in the squad is being assessed alongside the arrival of Victor Munoz, the emergence of Rio Ngumoha and Barcola's expected move from PSG. The club must also account for Hugo Ekitike's absence with a ruptured Achilles tendon and Isak's recent injury difficulties.

BBC Sport says a fee of about £85 million could represent a significant financial return for Liverpool, who signed Gakpo for £35 million after the 2022 World Cup. That figure has not been reported as an agreed price, however. With the window nearing its close, Liverpool are considering whether their available attacking depth is sufficient to sanction a sale, while talks with City remain at an early and unresolved stage.