EPL: Manchester City Initiates Talks for Liverpool Forward Gakpo

Premier League giants Manchester City have reportedly initiated discussions with rivals Liverpool concerning a possible transfer for their Dutch attacker, Cody Gakpo. The Netherlands international has quickly become a central topic of conversation as the current transfer window approaches its conclusion.

According to a report by BBC Sport on Saturday, City made formal contact with Liverpool that same evening as they explore the feasibility of acquiring the 27-year-old forward. While Tottenham Hotspur has also expressed interest in Gakpo, it is understood that the player himself would prefer a move to Manchester City should he decide to depart Anfield.

Liverpool, however, is said to be reluctant to approve Gakpo’s exit without first securing a replacement forward. The Reds are currently evaluating their attacking options, with Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace attacker Ismaïla Sarr among the players they have been linked with.

Gakpo’s future at Liverpool has grown increasingly uncertain following the club's recent agreement to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola in a deal potentially worth up to £123 million.

Other notable football news includes Liverpool’s continued winless streak, having been held to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa’s acquisition of Senegalese striker Jackson from Chelsea, and Watkins’ apology to the Villa squad before his departure.

The Dutch international joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 and has since netted 33 goals across 91 Premier League appearances. Gakpo was actively involved in Liverpool’s latest fixture on Saturday, providing the assist for Alexander Isak’s goal in the 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest at Anfield. He had also found the back of the net in Liverpool’s draw against Newcastle the preceding week.

With the transfer deadline looming on Tuesday, Liverpool now faces a race against time to determine Gakpo’s fate and potentially sign a replacement before sanctioning his departure.