Liverpool rival Man City in ‘talks’ for international winger

Liverpool have held “exploratory talks” over a potential summer transfer for PSV Eindhoven attacker Cody Gakpo, according to reports in the Netherlands.

As per Voetbal International, via Sport Witness, the Reds have made preliminary enquiries over a swoop for the Dutchman, who has established himself as one of the hottest talents in the Eredivisie over the past couple of seasons.

But Jurgen Klopp’s men could face competition from Premier League rivals Manchester City for his signature.

According to the same report, the player and his representatives have also held discussions with the English champions, while several other European clubs are understood to be monitoring his situation too.

Who is Cody Gakpo?

Still only 22, Gakpo has made quite the impact during his relatively short career in the Netherlands.

A product of PSV’s youth academy, the winger - who generally operates on the left flank - has established himself as a key member of a successful Eindhoven side.

Since making the transition to regular first team football in 2018, Gakpo has amassed 116 senior appearances, scoring 31 goals and assisting 29 more.

Ten of those strikes have come this season alone, and his efforts have helped him to pick up an Eredivisie title and four caps for the Netherlands, as well as the occasional nod as PSV’s captain.

How likely are Liverpool to seal a deal?

Understandably, interest in a prodigious talent like Gakpo is set to be through the roof, with Man City already said to be one of several high-profile European clubs rivalling the Reds for his signature.

Ultimately though, Liverpool’s biggest stumbling block could be the player’s contract situation in Eindhoven.

Gakpo’s current deal runs until 2025, and it is widely expected that he could pen another before the end of the season.

None of that is to say that a summer transfer is out of the question, but it would certainly give PSV plenty of leverage in any potential negotiations, and the likelihood is that whoever wins the race to land the Dutchman will have to pay a premium for the privilege.