Liverpool Firm on Cody Gakpo Amid Tottenham's Pursuit of Savinho

Liverpool stand firm on Cody Gakpo as Tottenham turn sights fully to Savinho

Liverpool dig in over Gakpo

Cody Gakpo has been high on De Zerbi’s wishlist. The Italian wants the Dutchman as part of a revamped forward line, seeing him as the kind of flexible wide forward who can drift, rotate and still deliver in the final third.

Personal terms? Done. Gakpo has already agreed a contract with Spurs and, crucially, has told Liverpool he wants to leave. At 27, with his prime years ahead of him, the move looked ready to catch fire.

Liverpool, though, are not playing along.

The Anfield hierarchy value Gakpo at a minimum of £60 million, and potentially closer to £70m. That’s despite an uneven campaign last season in which he struggled for rhythm before rediscovering his edge on the international stage, scoring three times at the World Cup before the Netherlands’ shock exit to Morocco.

Spurs believe a £60m bid could seriously test Liverpool’s resolve. The Merseyside club, however, appear increasingly convinced they should keep him.

talkSPORT’s transfer reporter Alex Crook has poured cold water on Tottenham’s hopes, revealing that Liverpool’s internal view under new boss Andoni Iraola has shifted the picture.

“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 said, via 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.”

The message is clear: Gakpo may be tempted, but Liverpool are not. Not now, and not at Spurs’ current numbers.

De Zerbi doubles down on Savinho

With the Gakpo route closing, attention inside Tottenham has sharpened on another name: Savinho.

De Zerbi has pushed for both Gakpo and the Brazilian, believing their versatility would allow him to rewire the attack without losing balance. Spurs have already moved decisively in other areas of the pitch, strengthening defence and midfield, and the wide positions are now the final big piece.

Savinho is no longer just a secondary option. He is rapidly becoming the main one.

Tottenham have already agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old and have been here before. They held talks last summer, only to find Manchester City unwilling to cash in. Savinho then signed a new contract at the Etihad, a move that seemed to shut the door.

This time, Spurs sense an opening.

According to The Times, negotiations are under way with City over a huge £85m deal. The fee is eye-watering, and a long way from initial expectations. Earlier estimates had Savinho’s price tag in the £60–65m bracket; that figure now looks obsolete.

The pressure of the market, City’s leverage and Savinho’s trajectory have combined to drive the price up. If Tottenham want him, they may have to pay top-of-the-market money.

For a club that has already splashed out on Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, though, an £85m swing for a key attacking piece would not be out of character. Those signings have already underlined Spurs’ willingness to back De Zerbi heavily in pursuit of a squad capable of returning to European competition.

Gakpo looks increasingly likely to stay and fight for his place at Liverpool. Savinho, by contrast, is there for Tottenham if they are brave enough – and rich enough – to push the button.