Manchester City make shock move to sign Cody Gakpo from Liverpool in £85m deal: Reports

Manchester City have opened talks with Liverpool over a potential move for Cody Gakpo, with the Dutch forward emerging as one of the biggest names who could still change clubs before the transfer window closes.According to reports, City made formal contact with Liverpool on Saturday evening regarding a move for the 27-year-old. ESPN, citing its own sources, reported that discussions between the clubs had gathered pace and that Liverpool value Gakpo at £85 million ($115m).Gakpo has also attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur, but sources cited by BBC Sport indicate that Manchester City is the forward's preferred destination should he leave Anfield.Why could Gakpo leave Liverpool?The possibility of Gakpo's departure comes at a particularly interesting point in Liverpool's transfer window. The Reds have agreed a deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola for a fee that could rise to £123 million, according to BBC Sport, and Liverpool are understood to want another forward through the door before allowing Gakpo to leave.Liverpool have an interest in Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace forward Ismaïla Sarr, with the club having already seen bids for both players rejected, according to reports.That means Gakpo's situation is not simply a matter of whether City are prepared to meet Liverpool's valuation; the Reds also need to make sure they have sufficient attacking options before sanctioning his exit.ESPN reported that City have been encouraged by Gakpo's interest in a move to the Etihad Stadium and are pressing ahead with negotiations.Gakpo has been an important part of Liverpool's attackGakpo joined Liverpool from his boyhood club PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 and has since scored 33 goals in 91 Premier League appearances.The forward has also started the new season in good form. He scored in Liverpool's opening league fixture, a 2-2 draw at Newcastle United, and then provided the assist for Alexander Isak's goal in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest at Anfield.Gakpo started against Forest despite the growing speculation surrounding his future, with Liverpool twice having to come from behind to rescue a point.His possible departure would therefore leave Andoni Iraola with another significant attacking decision to make, particularly with Liverpool already close to bringing Barcola into the squad.City preparing for a busy finish to the windowManchester City are also expected to remain active during the final days of the transfer window.According to ESPN, City have already agreed a deal with Palmeiras for Brazilian winger Allan, while Savio and Omar Marmoush have both left the club to join Tottenham this summer.The club have also been working on their midfield, having already spent more than £200 million on that area following the departures of Bernardo Silva and Rodri, with Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi among their additions.ESPN's sources say City are expected to make at least one late bid for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández as well as continuing discussions over Gakpo.For Liverpool, meanwhile, the decision is becoming increasingly time-sensitive, with the transfer window closing on Tuesday, September 1. The club must now weigh City's interest against its own need to maintain numbers in attack, particularly with Barcola's arrival close and further moves for Minteh or Sarr still being pursued.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.