Spurs Target Gakpo as Liverpool Stand Firm

Tottenham’s search for more firepower has led them to Cody Gakpo – but Liverpool are in no mood to roll out the red carpet.

Standard Sport understands Spurs admire the Dutch forward and have earmarked him as a serious option for the left flank, with the added bonus that he can operate as a No9. For a club intent on adding both a winger and potentially another striker before the window shuts, Gakpo ticks a lot of boxes.

There is, however, a problem. Liverpool are not selling. Not for now.

With Mohamed Salah set to be replaced and a reshaped attack still under construction, Liverpool currently have no plans to cash in on Gakpo. Their focus is on recruiting a new wide star of their own, with Paris Saint-Germain and France winger Bradley Barcola at the top of their list. The 21-year-old is reportedly valued at a staggering £145million, a fee that underlines the scale of Liverpool’s rebuild.

Just as that picture seems clear, the plot twists. Caught Offside report that Gakpo is open to joining Spurs if the clubs can agree a fee. Football Insider have floated a price in the region of £70m, a figure that would test any club’s resolve, even one as adamant as Liverpool appear to be.

Whether the Reds hold their ground at that number remains to be seen.

What is certain is Tottenham’s intent. Despite already splashing £237m this summer and bringing in six new faces, Roberto De Zerbi is not easing off. He wants two to three more signings before the deadline and has described the club’s transfer work as only “60 per cent done”.

That is an ominous statement for the rest of the league – and an intriguing one for Gakpo. If Spurs decide he is the missing piece on the left and push hard enough, Liverpool will have to choose: protect their depth in attack, or cash in on a player who might just fancy a new stage in north London.