Manchester City seem to be ahead of Tottenham Hotspur in the race for Liverpool striker Cody Gakpo.
Liverpool are open to selling Gakpo if they manage to bring in two wingers before the transfer deadline on Tuesday. The Reds have already secured a huge deal with Paris Saint-Germain for Bradley Barcola – worth a staggering £123 million.
Radiosporten: Casper Tengstedt, who Rosenborg sold for big money three years ago, is ready for a new club
Cody Gakpo with an assist in Saturday’s 2 – 2 game against Nottingham Forest.
Tottenham have long admired Gakpo, and Roberto De Zerbi wanted the signing himself after both Savio and Omar Marmoush were brought in.
But in a surprising turn of events, City threw themselves into the race for the Dutchman.
Aston Villa with shocking bid for Manchester United star – no one saw this coming
Fabrizio Romano and Ornstein have now both provided important updates on the situation.
Romano wrote on social media:
“Understand that Manchester City are stepping up their pursuit of Cody Gakpo!
City are moving on to negotiations with Gakpo’s camp after tonight’s contacts – they are now clear favourites for #MCFC.
Liverpool are only open to sale if they find a replacement.”
Ornstein then revealed that Gakpo has already chosen City over Spurs.
“EXCLUSIVE: Cody Gakpo decides to join Manchester City – the parties are now working to reach an agreement,” the journalist wrote on social media.
“The 27-year-old was faced with a three-way choice after #LFC secured Bradley Barcola: Stay, Tottenham Hotspur or Manchester City. The Dutch international chose #MCFC – talks are ongoing.”
Gakpo has already agreed personal terms with City.
Cody Gakpo ready for transfer to Man City
Now it remains for City to agree with Liverpool on the price. Andoni Iraola’s side want at least £60 million to release Gakpo – potentially as much as £70 million.
The 27-year-old showed exactly why that price is justified with a great assist for Alexander Isak on Saturday. He turned beautifully away from the marker before hitting a precise cross – but Liverpool still ended 2-2 at home to Nottingham Forest at Anfield.
For City, Gakpo will be an important piece in replacing Savio, who recently joined Spurs for £75 million plus £10 million in bonuses. In addition, Enzo Maresca is without Jeremy Doku – the Belgian will have to sit out several games with a calf injury.
