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Liverpool in pole position to sign Cody Gakpo ahead of Leeds United after £43.7m bid
Despite a £43.7million bid from Leeds United, Liverpool have emerged as the favourites to sign PSV striker Cody Gakpo, according to Calcio Mercato.
Leeds were desperate to add a striker to Jesse Marsch’s squad in the summer and Gakpo appeared top of their list. Victor Orta personally admitted via The Telegraph that the Whites tried to sign the Dutchman, but he respected the attacker’s decision to not want to join.
Gakpo has since enjoyed a dream start to the season with nine goals and 12 assists in just 14 matches. EBL, an experienced performance analyst, described him on Twitter as a “phenomenal ball striker”.
Leeds would love to return with another bid either in January or next summer for the 23-year-old but Calcio Mercato have now reported that Liverpool lead the race for his signature.
The Italian outlet also revealed that Leeds made a £43.7million bid for the striker who “will leave Holland in June”.
Persistence
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Despite signing Wilfried Gnonto in the summer, there’s no doubt that Leeds still need reinforcements in the forward department.
Patrick Bamford has proved to be unreliable this season and Rodrigo’s injury record will worry Marsch. A senior striker is needed and Gakpo suits Leeds’ style to a tee.
Gakpo’s incredible form in the Eredivisie has clearly attracted European powerhouses, but there’s no reason why Leeds should give up their pursuit so easily.
That doesn’t necessarily mean ignoring other available strikers in January or next summer, but Gakpo is a target worth chasing and Leeds are the only team to have shown interest prior to this season.
That previous bid might stand them in good stead ahead of the inevitable bidding war, but unfortunately the Whites may get muscled out of the race financially by the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United.
But with Orta and Marsch both big admirers of Gakpo, expect Leeds to throw everything they have to try and sign him.
In other Leeds United news, Michael Owen was left shocked after footage emerged of Liam Cooper