Liverpool draw up back-up plan if they can't get forward deal over the line

Liverpool are close to selling Cody Gakpo to Manchester City.

The Dutchman, 27, signed a new contract last season worth £250k per week - stretching his deal to 2030. But it looks as though the Netherlands international won’t be around to complete that deal.

Because City are coming forward with an £85m offer for the versatile forward - who has impressed in the early stages of the season under Andoni Iraola.

Liverpool want one more winger

Liverpool meanwhile have closed a deal for Bradley Barcola to join from Paris Saint-Germain. The winger will cost £123m including add-ons - effectively taking Gakpo’s place in the squad.

But Richard Hughes and Andoni Iraola won’t stop there. It looks as though they will chase ANOTHER wing option until the closing stages of the window.

The candidates to arrive are Ismaila Sarr and Yankuba Minteh. Sarr, 28, would be coming in from Crystal Palace as a right-footed, right-wing option.

Minteh is currently injured

He’s made a habit of scoring against the Reds - and has led his club to FA Cup and UEFA Europa Conference League glory. Minteh - a lesser-proven option - is currently injured and isn’t expected to play until October or November.

Brighton were thought to be holding out for around £80m before selling the left-footed Gambian - who joined from Newcastle back in 2024. A report in Football Insider now claims that Richard Hughes has made up his mind over a deal for Minteh.

Describing the move as “dead in the water” the report suggests that Liverpool are sticking a pin in the Minteh deal for now.

Liverpool will come back for Minteh deal in January

Nonetheless the 2024/25 Premier League champions will return in January to secure a deal for the talented African forward.

“Liverpool could reignite their interest in Brighton star Yankuba Minteh in the January transfer window,” the report reads.

“Liverpool remain very keen on Minteh and will keep a close eye on his return from injury.”

The report does however make the claim that the deal will only be pursued if no other wingers arrive before the summer deadline.

Liverpool will be hoping to solidify their attack with one more option besides Barcola. And - if not - then we could see them use their winger budget to move back in for Minteh in the new year.