Manchester City's pursuit of Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo is reportedly nearing a collapse, with the proposed £80 million transfer facing significant hurdles. City had initiated talks with Liverpool regarding the Netherlands international, who Liverpool indicated they would be willing to sell, contingent on securing a replacement attacker.
Liverpool's acquisition of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain for a fee potentially reaching £123 million on Monday does not preclude them from seeking another attacking player if Gakpo were to depart. The Anfield club had previously identified Yankuba Minteh of Brighton and Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace as transfer targets, but valuation issues have complicated those potential deals.
As a result, Liverpool is now expected to retain Gakpo, aged 27, unless they can successfully finalize a deal for a new winger before the transfer deadline on Tuesday. In light of this development, Manchester City is reportedly considering a pivot towards Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye. Ndiaye, 27, was previously rumored to be heading to Tottenham, but City's continued interest may lead them to pursue a move for the Senegal international.