Liverpool want to sign one of the fastest players in the world to replace Cody Gakpo

Cody Gakpo could be on the move and one of the fastest players on the planet could replace him.

The Ducthman's future at Liverpool is becoming one of the more intriguing storylines to watch before the transfer window closes.

Just a few months ago, the Dutchman looked like one of the first names on the teamsheet under Arne Slot. He was trusted, played regularly and often delivered when Liverpool needed him. But a change of manager changes everything, and it remains to be seen where Gakpo fits into Andoni Iraola's plans.

Iraola's teams are built on relentless intensity, aggressive pressing and quick transitions. They rely heavily on explosive wingers who can stretch defences, attack full-backs one-on-one and constantly threaten in behind. Whether Gakpo is the perfect fit for that style is still up for debate.

Liverpool's activity in the transfer market only adds another layer to the situation. Bradley Barcola has emerged as one of the club's priority targets and, like Gakpo, he is at his best operating from the left wing.

At the same time, Rio Ngumoha continues to impress and looks increasingly capable of earning meaningful first-team minutes despite his age.

That creates genuine competition in a position where opportunities may already become more limited.

It's no surprise, then, that Tottenham are keeping a close eye on Gakpo's situation.

Spurs have long admired the Netherlands international, and their interest could intensify following the injury suffered by Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi, one of their leading attacking targets.

Liverpool are unlikely to actively push Gakpo towards the exit, but they may have a decision to make if a significant offer arrives.

With Iraola reshaping the squad to suit his own style, this could become one of the biggest transfer stories to watch over the final weeks of the window.

Just as Liverpool were open to allow Luis Diaz to leave last summer, they certainly haven't shut the doors for Gakpo to leave this summer.

But naturally if Gakpo leaves, Liverpool are going to have to replace him. Even with Barcola potentially joining and Victor Munoz having already signed for the club, Liverpool will need further options.

Wiht Hugo Ekitike's injury, and Mo Salah having left the club, the more depth Iraola has under his disposal the better.

In terms of Liverpool's recruitment in attack this summer - there has been a key theme - pace. Munoz and Barcola are both extremely rapid attackers who thrive at running in behind defences and utilising their speed.

Now Anfield Watch understands that should Gakpo leave before the end of the summer one player being lined up to replace the Dutchman is Jean-Matteo Bahoya.

We revealed exclusively that the French winger was on Liverpool's radar earlier this year and recently Liverpool have checked in with Bahoya in order to assess his availability.

An excellent dribbler, Bahoya's biggest asset is his speed. The winger clocked a remarkable 37.16 km/h in a match against Bochum last season, which meant he was the first player to break the 37 km/h mark in the Bundesliga.

For comparison, the world's fastest man Usain Bolt had an average speed of about 37.58 km/h (23.35 mph) during his 9.58-second 100m world record.

Bahoya's record makes him the fastest players on the planet at the moment.

He's only 21-years-old and he is regarded as an opportunistic transfer in the current market given he would be available for a relatively cheap transfer fee.

It is also important to note Bahoya previously struck up a symbiotic partnership with Ekitike while the two of them played for Frankfurt together.

The winger's speed and directness would definitely suit Iraola's tactics. So, he's one to keep a close eye on.