Pundit fears Liverpool now out of Jude Bellingham race after 'big' development
Liverpool may now be out of the race to sign Jude Bellingham after announcing the capture of Cody Gakpo.
That's according to former Hibernian striker Tam McManus, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Reds' transfer plans.
Gakpo, 23, was announced as a Liverpool player on December 30 after a deal was agreed with PSV on 26 December.
Sources told Football Insider (31 December) that Bellingham’s father wants him to move to Anfield next summer but the player has had his head turned by the strong interest of Man City and Real Madrid.
McManus admits he can't see Bellingham joining the Reds following Gakpo's arrival.
"Are they out of the race for Bellingham? I mean, Gakpo, it's a big signing," McManus told Football Insider's Ben Wild.
"It's the main signing you make in a window, it doesn't get much bigger than him at the moment after the World Cup he just had.
"He's cost a lot of money and Liverpool haven't done that so much recently. I think Gakpo coming in now tells me that there is nothing imminent with Bellingham.
"Maybe if they get into the Champions League and get that financial boost in the summer, that could give them the chance to get a decent bid in.
"How much is Bellingham going to cost after the World Cup? £100million, more?
"Do Liverpool have that now they have shelled out a lot of money on Gakpo?
"Only the club knows that but I certainly think it would be a surprise if Liverpool were able to sign both of them."