Liverpool Firm on Gakpo Amid Tottenham's Pursuit of Savinho

Liverpool are expected to slam the door on Tottenham’s move for Cody Gakpo, forcing Roberto De Zerbi and Spurs to throw their weight behind an £85million pursuit of Manchester City winger Savinho instead.

Liverpool dig in over Gakpo

Spurs had turned Gakpo into a serious target for their revamped forward line, with De Zerbi pushing for the Dutchman as one of two major wide additions alongside Savinho.

Liverpool’s stance is the problem.

The Anfield club are understood to want at least £60m for Gakpo and could hold out for as much as £70m. The 27-year-old endured an inconsistent campaign last season but rediscovered his edge at the World Cup, where he scored three times before the Netherlands’ shock exit to Morocco.

Tottenham, having already strengthened defence and midfield for De Zerbi, identified the left-sided attacker as an ideal fit. Personal terms are in place, and Gakpo has informed Liverpool of his desire to leave, with Spurs ready to test Liverpool’s resolve with a £60m bid.

The Merseyside club are not blinking.

talkSPORT’s transfer reporter Alex Crook says Liverpool believe new boss Andoni Iraola can unlock Gakpo’s best form and are planning around him.

“I don’t think it will happen. Speaking to sources at Liverpool they think he’s had a good pre-season under Iraola, they think he’s a player that Iraola can get the best out of,” Crook told Last Word on Spurs.

“I think he probably would be open to the move, but at the moment that’s not one I expect to happen between now and deadline day.”

So, while Gakpo might be ready to swap Anfield for north London, Liverpool’s belief in his pre-season form under Iraola looks set to kill the deal.

Spurs turn fully to Savinho

With Gakpo effectively blocked, De Zerbi and Spurs are now primed to go all-in on Savinho.

Tottenham have already agreed personal terms with the Brazilian, a player they also tried to prise from City last summer before the Premier League champions refused to sell. Savinho later signed a new contract at the Etihad, but Spurs sense an opening this time.

According to The Times, talks are under way between Spurs and City over a huge £85m transfer. Only a few weeks ago, the 22-year-old was expected to command around £60-65m. That price has inflated, and Tottenham know they must go big to get him.

The numbers are eye-watering, but not out of character. The signings of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes have already underlined Spurs’ willingness to back De Zerbi aggressively in the market.

If Liverpool keep Gakpo under Iraola’s wing and City finally crack the door open for Savinho, De Zerbi’s first great attacking reshuffle at Tottenham may hinge on one blockbuster Brazilian rather than a Dutch double swoop.