news-engine

Liverpool sent Tottenham Hotspur warning over Cody Gakpo transfer - 'don't understand why' Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo continues to be linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur this transfer window Liverpool have been told they could be handing a Champions League initiative to Tottenham Hotspur if they sell Cody Gakpo to the big-spending Londoners. Gakpo has been linked all summer with a move to Roberto de Zerbi's side despite the Reds presently having no plans to allow the Netherlands international to leave given their lack of forward options. The 27-year-old was targeted by sections of the Liverpool fanbase early this year after being one of many players to underperform during a dismal season that ultimately cost head coach Arne Slot his job. Tottenham have already spent almost £250million this summer as well as bringing in former Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson and ex-Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi in on free transfers. And former Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld believes the Reds would be making a mistake in permitting Gakpo to join a club he reckons will be challenging Andoni Iraola's men for Champions League qualification. "I don’t understand why Liverpool would sell Cody Gakpo to Tottenham Hotspur because he is a primary player for any team," said Alderweireld. "He’s big but he’s quick and can play left and right, coming inside to go direct to goal. When I watch him he’s always in the box when the ball is on the other side of the pitch. He’s a very good player. "Maybe after last season Liverpool feel a bit hurt by how they played under Arne Slot and they want to change a lot with a real makeover now they’ve appointed Andoni Iraola, but I think even for the Netherlands we have seen how good Gakpo is. "If he goes to Spurs, I think it would be a good signing because don’t forget he’s a Premier League winner. He performed very well the year before last season when they won it. "He could make Spurs stronger and Liverpool weaker when they’re fighting for a Champions League place." Despite Liverpool's poor defence of their Premier League crown, Alderweireld believes the Reds could emerge as title contenders to champions Arsenal should Manchester City lose key midfielder Rodri to Real Madrid. The Spaniard is also a target for Barcelona. Speaking to Hajper, Alderweireld said: "Rodri is such a big part of Manchester City and we saw that when he was injured and how much they struggled. "His position for City has been crucial, and tactically he is so important to how they’ve won so many games and titles. "If Rodri moves to Real Madrid, the title race will be wide open for someone like Liverpool, Manchester United or even Tottenham Hotspur to challenge Arsenal this season." FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page