A deal to sign Cody Gakpo from Liverpool is proving anything but straightforward for Tottenham Hotspur this summer.
It has emerged over the last few days that while Gakpo has allegedly signalled a willingness to move to Tottenham, Liverpool are not particularly keen on letting him go.
Some sources have said that the Lilywhites would have to pay £72m to land the Netherlands international, but others have insisted that the Reds simply have no plans of selling the Dutchman.
However, according to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs are stepping up their pursuit of Gakpo and are hoping to begin key negotiations with Liverpool.
Bradley Barcola’s arrival at Liverpool will not affect Tottenham’s Cody Gakpo pursuit
Flashscore say that Andoni Iraola’s men are not looking to cash in on the former PSV Eindhoven man, even though they are keen to add PSG’s Bradley Barcola to their squad.
While Barcola’s arrival at Anfield will increase competition in the attacking areas, Liverpool insiders insist that it would not definitively impact Gakpo’s future.
The Merseyside club’s priority is to build a deep squad full of quality that can challenge for every major trophy next season.
They are currently ‘relaxed’ about Gakpo’s future and will only entertain a sale if they receive an offer which is simply too good to turn down.
Spurs could soon launch an offer for Gakpo
Despite Liverpool’s stance, Tottenham Hotspur continue to keep a close eye on developments over the Dutchman’s future, with their interest in the player intensifying following the injury to Eli Junior Kroupi.
The North Londoners could test the Reds’ resolve with a formal offer over the next few days if they believe a deal for Gakpo is achievable.
However, it would take a ‘significant premium’ to convince Iraola’s men to part ways with the 27-year-old, although the update does not shed light on how much it would take for Liverpool to change their minds.