CODY RED! Man City make shock Gakpo approach to leave Liverpool and Tottenham with transfer dilemma

Manchester City have entered the race for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo as they attempt to beat rivals Tottenham to his services. Gakpo, 27, has been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer.

Spurs had emerged as potential suitors over recent days, having already had a bid turned down for his services. The Dutchman has already agreed terms on a move to North London.

But it appears that they are facing competition for Gakpo’s signature, from Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City. According to reports, City have made their first move to sign the Dutchman and indeed beat Spurs to a deal.

It remains to be seen how much Liverpool would sell the 27-year-old for, albeit it has previously been suggested it would take over £70m to agree a deal. Gakpo was signed from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven in 2023 and has gone on to score 51 goals in 181 appearances for the Reds - including one in the opening day draw with Newcastle at St James’ Park.

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He remains under contract with Liverpool until 2030, while Andoni Iraola has underlined his admiration of the forward.

Speaking ahead of the trip to the North East, the Spanish coach said: "Cody is performing really well. I think he has been training very well from the first day and understanding everything we need from his position.

"When you talk to him, you can feel that he understands the game and he is very smart. He has been one of our best players in the friendlies and performing very well. I cannot tell you the starting XI, the players don't know it, but he is definitely in a great spot."

Should Man City get a deal over the line, Gakpo could become the third big-money arrival at the Etihad late in the window. City are also on the verge of completing a lucrative move for Lille and Monaco star Ayyoub Bouaddi, while a deal has also been agreed with Palmeiras for Allan Elias.

Their interest in Gakpo is also an intriguing development, given they are about to do business with Spurs in the final week of the window. Savinho and Omar Marmoush are thought to be close to a double deal worth around £140m.

Speaking about the pair, City boss Enzo Maresca said: "Omar is still here, still with us, it's a different situation to Savio and we see. Savio, since day one, asked to leave, and Omar didn't ask to leave since day one, not yet.

"It's always complicated when someone leaves, and one has to arrive. We'll see if Omar stays or what happens."

He added: "It's quite clear that when players want to leave for any reason, it is complicated to convince them to stay and to change. It happened with Rodri, the same is happening with Savinho.

"Since day one, he has been clear that he wants to leave. Now we are waiting. It's complicated when players are clear they want a new challenge, or they want to go to Spain or play more minutes, it becomes complicated to convince them to stay."

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