Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has refused to guarantee that Cody Gakpo will remain at Anfield amid continued interest from Tottenham and Manchester City.
There have not yet been any direct talks between Liverpool and either club over a potential deal for Gakpo, but both sides have been monitoring the Netherlands international’s situation.
Gakpo’s future could be affected by Liverpool’s expected arrival of Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, with the France international having been the club’s priority target throughout the summer.
Liverpool have now agreed a deal worth around £120m to sign Barcola, although the transfer is yet to be completed.
Speaking at his news conference on Thursday, Iraola confirmed Liverpool are looking to strengthen their options on the wings.
“As you know we are trying to sign in that position [wingers] and we cannot talk about players that right now are not ours but it is evident we are trying to improve and fill or trying to fill that position because we don’t have the numbers,” Iraola said.
“I hope we can have good news soon but we are still not there.”
Gakpo praised despite uncertain future
Gakpo scored in Liverpool’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Newcaste on Sunday and has shown no signs of pushing for a move away from the club.
However, Barcola predominantly operates from the left wing, which could leave Gakpo facing increased competition for minutes if the transfer is completed.
The 27-year-old could therefore consider his options if he feels his chances of regular first-team football will be reduced.
Iraola was full of praise for Gakpo’s performances but admitted there could be no guarantees while the transfer window remains open.
“I can say what I said last week, and even after the performance he had in the first game,” he said.
“He is playing very well for us, he has been very good since he came back from the World Cup and after the holidays, a good attitude and I hope we can keep him at that level because he has been very influential.
“When the market is open you cannot guarantee anything with anyone.
“When I arrived I would like to know how the market finishes and then when you finish with this one and this one but I don’t know what is going to happen with any of our players. I cannot guarantee anything.
“You think I can smell who we are going to sign or what position but experience shows you that, if there is an opportunity on the last day, let’s take it.”
