Manchester City’s attempt to sign Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo for around £80m is close to breaking down as the transfer deadline approaches.
City had entered discussions with Liverpool over the Netherlands international, with the Anfield club prepared to consider a sale if they could first secure another attacking replacement.
Liverpool strengthened their forward line on Monday by completing a deal for France international Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain worth up to £123m. However, the club still wanted to bring in an additional winger before allowing Gakpo to leave.
Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace attacker Ismaila Sarr emerged as potential options, but Liverpool have struggled to reach agreements because of the asking prices involved.
With Tuesday’s deadline drawing closer, Liverpool are increasingly likely to retain the 27-year-old unless they can quickly revive negotiations for another wide forward.
Manchester City have meanwhile moved to reinforce their attack elsewhere, agreeing a £65m deal with Everton for Iliman Ndiaye on Monday.
The 26-year-old Senegal international had previously been expected to join Tottenham, but City have moved ahead in the race and he is now set to become the latest addition to Enzo Maresca’s squad.
Gakpo therefore appears likely to remain at Anfield, with City’s proposed £80m transfer dependent on Liverpool completing another attacking signing before the window closes.