Manchester City have opened talks with Liverpool over a potential move for forward Cody Gakpo, with the Netherlands international emerging as one of the key storylines of the final days of the transfer window.

As reported by BBC Sport on Saturday, City made formal contact with Liverpool on Saturday evening as they explore a deal for the 27-year-old attacker. Tottenham Hotspur are also interested, but Gakpo is understood to favour a move to Manchester City if he decides to leave Anfield.

Liverpool are reluctant to sanction Gakpo’s departure without first bringing in another forward. The Reds have been linked with Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace attacker Ismaïla Sarr as they consider their options in attack.

Gakpo’s future has become increasingly uncertain following Liverpool’s agreement to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola in a deal worth up to £123m.

The Dutch forward joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 and has scored 33 goals in 91 Premier League appearances.

Gakpo was involved again for Liverpool on Saturday, providing the assist for Alexander Isak’s goal as Andoni Iraola’s side drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest at Anfield. He had also scored in Liverpool’s draw at Newcastle the previous week.

With the transfer deadline approaching on Tuesday, Liverpool now face a race against time to decide Gakpo’s future and potentially secure a replacement before allowing him to leave.