Tottenham drafts Cody Gakpo transfer plan as Liverpool facing crucial decision

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Cody Gakpo faces an uncertain future at Liverpool this summer, as transfer interest from Tottenham steps up ahead of a crucial week of potential talks surrounding a moveCody Gakpo continues to be linked with a transfer to Tottenham in the transfer window(Image: (Photo by Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images))Tottenham is planning to ramp up efforts to sign Cody Gakpo this summer, as the Liverpool star remains a player of key interest to the north London club.The 27-year-old has emerged as a target for the Lilywhites in recent weeks, as the club's rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi has seen nearly $320 million spent in the market across several important positions.Much of that has reshaped the backline and midfield, with former Liverpool star Andy Robertson making the switch on a free transfer before the arrivals at center-back and central midfield followed him. Now, focus has switched to the forward ranks for Tottenham, with Gakpo firmly in the club's sights as a versatile option who can play on the left wing and as a striker if required.With that in mind, Fabrizio Romano claims that Spurs will plan to step up interest in the Netherlands international in the coming week, with talks set to enter a crucial period for getting a possible deal over the line.Any move will be dependent on Liverpool's stance surrounding the forward, especially with his price, as there is currently no intention to part ways, but an exit hasn't been ruled out either.It's unclear exactly how the Reds will respond to the transfer interest, and whether a firm offer being tabled by the Premier League rival could change proceedings in the market.That interest in Gakpo comes at a slightly awkward time for Liverpool, however, given that the team already needs to add one winger to the mix before even accounting for another exit in those positions.Cody Gakpo has been linked with a Liverpool transfer exit(Image: (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))The versatile star has a decent record for the Reds since his switch from PSV Eindhoven, featuring 180 times with 50 goals and 23 assists to his name in that time across all competitions.Last season came with some struggles, however, as he picked up nine goals and six assists across all competitions, with fans being left frustrated by some performances from him and the team in general.The emergence of Rio Ngumoha has also not helped his cause in trying to lock down a position on the left.With Liverpool currently in talks to sign Bradley Barcola, the left flank could have extra competition that would allow for Gakpo to push for an exit, but it would also weaken the overall depth of the team available to Andoni Iraola.The manager has already asked for another winger this summer, even after the signing of Victor Munoz, and that is without another key exit in the frontline.It may mean Liverpool has to dip into the transfer market again, but that is all dependent on a sale in the first place.

It remains to be seen whether the Reds will simply persist with keeping Gakpo as a valuable squad option or whether a price may prove too much for Tottenham to invest.Either way, talks will enter a key period, by which point Liverpool has to make a decision on keeping the star or moving on to new players in a summer filled with change.