Liverpool's Cody Gakpo response to Tottenham's 'definite' plan revealed
Liverpool have no plans to let Cody Gakpo leave this summer despite "definite" interest from Tottenham, sources have told Football Insider.
The 27-year-old remains a big part of Andoni Iraola's plans for the upcoming season and is unlikely to be moved on due to a lack of depth in attacking areas.
Tottenham, meanwhile, are looking to make further additions to their squad under Roberto De Zerbi and are hopeful of luring the Netherland international to North London.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Liverpool will not entertain any move for Gakpo to Tottenham as things stand.
The Reds are under no financial pressure to sell, and the forward is on a long-term contract at Anfield until 2030, placing the ball firmly in Liverpool's court.
Adding to that desire to keep hold of him, the departure of Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike's injury have limited Iraola's options, and he is determined not to lose any more players.
How do Liverpool feel about selling Cody Gakpo?
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in March that Salah would hold the keys to Gakpo's future, and his exit would mean Liverpool kept the Dutchman.
Five months later, that remains the case, and Iraola is determined to keep hold of the forward rather than further weaken his squad following some major departues.
Concerns about the depth in his Liverpool side have forced them into the market to sign new wingers, but there are no plans to let any of their current crop move on.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Well, there's definitely substance to Spurs' interest in Gakpo.
"They are very much interested in the Dutchman because of his versatility, that ability to play out wide or through the middle as a number nine as well has placed him on their radar.
"But as things stand right now, Liverpool do not plan on selling Cody Gakpo despite Tottenham's interest.
"He had come under fire from the Liverpool fans for some of his performances last season, but he is still a very important part of the team and the squad under Andoni Iraola.
"He slotted into the side last season as well to fill in for Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike when they were out injured, and can play on the wing as well where they do need depth.
"Liverpool have got Gakpo under a long-term contract until 2030, and they're under no financial pressure to sell."
Could Tottenham test Liverpool's reserve over Gakpo?
Fresh speculation about Gakpo's future at Liverpool has come as Spurs are ready to step up their interest, having viewed the forward as a leading target this summer.
De Zerbi is determined to strengthen his attacking options, while Spurs have not been afraid to spend big this summer, with almost £240million shelled out on new players.
Football Insider revealed in June that Iraola is reluctant to lose Gakpo this summer and will only consider letting him go if a "big offer" arrived from an interested club.
Tottenham have not been shy of making big offers in this window, and could now look to test their rivals' resolve with an official move for Gakpo.
It remains to be seen how Liverpool would respond and what it might take to lure the Netherlands international away, but with Spurs' interest growing, a move could still be on.