Tottenham Hotspur have seen their top left-wing target, Cody Gakpo, hijacked by Manchester City, but they have reacted swiftly to the development.
Spurs have now reportedly agreed a deal with Everton for Iliman Ndiaye, and while that has come as a big boost to the Lilywhites, the Senegalese star was not their top target.
The player they wanted was Cody Gakpo, who is now edging closer to an £85m move to Manchester City instead.
This was after reports suggested that the Dutchman had spoken with Roberto De Zerbi and greenlighted a move to Spurs.
Tottenham shocked by Cody Gakpo’s transfer decision
TEAMtalk have revealed that Spurs were left shocked by the Liverpool star’s decision to snub a move to N17 in favour of a switch to City.
The report claims that Gakpo had agreed personal terms with Tottenham and the Lilywhites’ negotiations with Liverpool were progressing after the Reds agreed a deal to mark Bradley Barcola.
Spurs believed they were ‘closing in on an agreement’ for the Netherlands international and were ‘increasingly confident’ of getting their man.
However, Enzo Maresca’s men accelerated their interest, and the Etihad Stadium quickly emerged as Gakpo’s preferred destination, coming as a ‘major shock’ to Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
Spurs believed Gakpo was the best option for their project
The outlet also spoke to a source at Tottenham, who revealed that the feeling at Hotspur Way was that the former PSV Eindhoven star was the best option for their side.
The Lilywhites were planning for Gakpo to be added to their squad as they felt the player had his heart set on making the transfer.
The source in question said about Tottenham’s reaction: “The club are shocked, not getting away from it – they were planning for Gakpo to come in, they thought he was coming and were committed to him.
“They firmly believed their plan for him was the best option for him, but he now clearly thinks battling for a place at City is the right project.”