€85m superstar makes official Liverpool transfer plea

€85m superstar makes Liverpool transfer plea Make us your Google favourite Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has urged the club to reject Manchester City’s efforts to sign Cody Gakpo before the end of the summer transfer window. Gakpo, 27, has emerged as a top target for Enzo Maresca’s side following the sales of Savio and Omar Marmoush to Tottenham Hotspur, and it’s understood that he is keen to explore a possible transfer to the Etihad Stadium. Man City have opened talks over a blockbuster deal and they are ready to submit a formal offer worth up to €100 million, according to football transfer news expert insider . However, Van Dijk, who moved to Anfield for just shy of €85m in January 2018, believes that Liverpool would be making a major error if they allow Gakpo to join City before the end of Deadline Day on 1 September. “What do you think? He's a quality player. I think we should keep quality players,” he told reporters (via sports media ) after Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. “Let's see what the next few days bring. I want him to stay not only because he's a quality player but also because he's a friend of mine. He's very important for us.” When asked about the imminent arrival of Bradley Barcola, who has undergone his medical ahead of a €145m move from Paris Saint-Germain, Van Dijk said: “He's a good player, someone with pace, I remember a goal he scored against Chelsea [in the Champions League last season.] If he comes here then he will be welcomed with open arms. “I don't think there's any doubt that a club like Liverpool is very attractive to very good players. This is one of the biggest clubs in the world. We all know that we're going through a little bit of a transition. You either want to be a part of it or you don't. “Adding quality to the squad always makes a difference. Let's see what the next few days bring. After Tuesday we have to fight for everything with no regrets.” Who will Liverpool sign if Cody Gakpo leaves? If Man City are able to finalise a deal for Gakpo before the end of Deadline Day, they are set to pursue the signature of Chelsea winger Pedro Neto. As exclusively revealed by sources , Liverpool are in talks with Neto’s representatives over a potential late move and the Portugal international is open to leaving Stamford Bridge if he receives an attractive proposal. Sources have informed us that Chelsea will only consider a sale if they receive an offer of at least €88 million (£75m) and it remains to be seen if Liverpool are willing to match this asking price before the window closes.