Man City consider shock move for Liverpool star wanted by Premier League rival

Manchester City are exploring a shock move to sign Liverpool star Cody Gakpo.

Gakpo has been linked with a departure from Anfield throughout the summer transfer window, with Tottenham interested.

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But a new club has entered the race for the Netherlands forward in Man City, who are a little light up front, the Athletic reports.

It’s understood City have made contact with Gakpo‘s camp, although Liverpool do not plan to sell the 27-year-old.

He is contracted at Anfield until the summer of 2030, having signed a new deal last summer and the Reds would only consider a sale if they were to add new forwards to their ranks.

City’s pursuit of Gakpo comes as they look set to say goodbye to two forwards of their own; Savinho and Omar Marmoush.

Both Savinho and Marmoush are closing in on moves to Tottenham, with City believed to be after £150million for the pair.

Spurs want to sign Gakpo as they look to revamp their forward line, which looked threadbare during their 3-0 defeat at Brentford in their opening match of the season last weekend.

Man City are set to have a busy end to the summer window with the signings of Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and Brazilian Allan Elias from Palmeiras.

Gakpo in demand

Subject to huge criticism for his performances, Gakpo endured a tough season last term.

In a campaign which was hugely frustrating for Liverpool, the winger could only manage nine goals in all competitions, having scored 18 the previous season.

Liverpool limped into the Champions League spots and many fans called on the club to sell the 54-cap Dutch international.

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However, the interest from two of the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ may have caught them by surprise and perhaps the critical Liverpool fans may now have changed their stance.

Gakpo got off the mark for the season in Liverpool’s opening match, scoring the team’s first goal during their 2-2 draw at Newcastle last weekend.

When asked about Gakpo’s future, Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola said before the game: “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.”

Liverpool’s transfer business

The two-time Premier League winners have signed Vicor Munoz and Ronald Araujo this summer, while Jeremy Jacquet arrived after the deal to bring him in was put in place during the January transfer window.

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But they’re hoping to do more business before the deadline on September 1 with Paris Saint-Germain duo Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye rated.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have had two bids for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh rejected, with their next offer set to be their final one.

Gakpo joined Liverpool from Eredivisie club PSV Eindhoven with the Reds hijacking Manchester United’s move for the player.

He has 51 goals and 23 assists in 181 appearances for Liverpool, winning the Premier League and Carabao Cup during his three-and-a-half years at the club.