Man City's £80m move for Gakpo close to collapse

Manchester City's proposed £80m move for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo is facing the serious threat of falling through. The Etihad club had initiated discussions with the Merseyside outfit regarding a deal to bring the Netherlands international to Manchester.

However, Liverpool's willingness to sell the 27-year-old hinged entirely on their ability to secure a direct replacement in time. Although the Anfield club completed the significant signing of France forward Bradley Barcola from Paris St-Germain for a fee reaching up to £123m on Monday, they remained intent on adding another attacking player should Gakpo depart.

Photo by Farhan Shaikh / Unsplash

Prior to this, Liverpool had set their sights on Brighton's Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr, but valuations for both players proved to be a major stumbling block. Consequently, the club is now anticipated to retain Gakpo unless they can successfully revive negotiations for a new winger ahead of Tuesday's deadline.

Following the latest developments surrounding Gakpo, Manchester City have maintained an active interest in Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye and could now pivot toward the winger. While Ndiaye was previously expected to transfer to Tottenham, City's sustained interest suggests the club is prepared to advance with a potential move for the Senegal international.

Source: BBC Sport