Tottenham Hotspur and Turkish club Fenerbahce are targeting Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo this summer.
The 27-year-old Netherlands international faces an uncertain future at Anfield following a managerial transition under new head coach Andoni Iraola.
Gakpo recorded nine goals and six assists in 52 total appearances last season under former manager Arne Slot.
Turkish outlet Fanatik reported that Fenerbahce submitted a transfer offer, though the forward prefers remaining within Europe's top five leagues.
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano highlighted Tottenham's interest while noting that Liverpool controls the player's immediate future.
"In a separate story [to Savinho], because I expect Tottenham to sign two players, I would still keep an eye on Tottenham and Cody Gakpo, because he's another player they like," said Fabrizio Romano.
Romano added that Spurs' transfer strategy involves significant offensive recruitment during the current window under manager Roberto De Zerbi.
"So let's see what is going to happen there, if Liverpool are going to open doors or not, but for sure, there will be many movements for wingers at Tottenham," said Romano.
In earlier comments on his YouTube channel, Romano outlined how internal evaluation at Anfield was proceeding alongside Tottenham's pursuit.
"There is an appreciation from Tottenham for Cody Gakpo," said Romano.
The reporter elaborated on the timeline of interest surrounding the Dutch attacker.
"That's true. He is one of the players they appreciate," said Romano.
Romano explained that movement around the player's availability had been developing for weeks.
"I told you in a video I think here a few weeks ago that the situation on Gakpo was moving because there are clubs interested," said Romano.
He emphasized that the final decision rests entirely with the Merseyside club's hierarchy.
"But this story about Cody Gakpo completely depends on what Liverpool want to do," said Romano.
Romano clarified that Liverpool has not officially initiated transfer talks for an exit.
"Liverpool are yet to decide anything," said Romano.
The club maintains a firm stance on its current squad depth while assessing options.
"At the moment, (Liverpool) are not opening doors to his exit," said Romano.
Liverpool's management remains satisfied with Gakpo's international performances during major tournaments.
"Also, very happy with his performances at the World Cup, so Liverpool, the club, together with a new coach, Andoni Iraola, they will be deciding together about Gakpo and will make a plan to decide about Cody Gakpo," said Romano.
Romano concluded that active negotiations have not yet opened between the Premier League rivals.
"At the moment, the doors are not open, so Liverpool are not negotiating for an exit of Gakpo," said Romano.
He reiterated that Tottenham is waiting for Liverpool's final decision before making formal advances.
"There is interest from Tottenham, but waiting to understand what Liverpool will decide to do for the Dutch winger," said Romano.
Former Player Defends Gakpo
Former Liverpool player Jason McAteer defended Gakpo against recent criticism, arguing that fans unfairly targeted him during a challenging club campaign.
"When a football club doesn't do as well as people expect, or expectations drop or levels drop, then fans will look to find blame somewhere.
Whether it's the board, the manager or the players," said McAteer.
McAteer noted that the demands placed on Premier League wingers often lead to inconsistent fan perceptions.
"I felt, last season, Cody took a lot of criticism, and unfair criticism.
I think Cody Gakpo is a really hard-working individual who always tries his best for the team. He will nick a goal.
He can be predictable, he can drop in and out of games.
At times he can be frustrating but listen, that's the life of a winger in the Premier League," said McAteer.
The former midfielder highlighted Gakpo's strong international performances as evidence of his core quality.
"Cody seems to relish playing for his country. I played with players who seemed to really enjoy going away on international duty.
They felt more comfortable and you'd get better performances, or it looked that way," said McAteer.
McAteer stressed that Gakpo's professional demeanor made him an easy target for criticism.
"At a time when the club wasn't doing well, and people wanted to point fingers, it was easy to point one at Cody because he's not going to throw his arms up, he's not gonna kick a fuss up, he's not gonna go to the newspapers, he's not gonna have a go at the crowd.
I felt he was an easy target," said McAteer.
Addressing competition from emerging youngster Rio Ngumoha, McAteer acknowledged the fan preference for individual flair.
"He was under pressure last season from Rio," said McAteer.
He explained that supporters naturally gravitated toward uninhibited attacking talents during the season.
"Everyone wanted to see a bit more of the exciting, flair, guile player. Everybody loves that kind of player.
This World Cup was littered with them and we're all talking about individuals," said McAteer.
McAteer concluded that team-oriented tactical discipline remains essential despite squad competition.
"But sometimes you need a bit of a team player and that's what Cody is. So he was always fighting it," said McAteer.
Gakpo remains under contract at Liverpool through the summer of 2030 following his £37 million move from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023.
