Liverpool linked with surprise Premier League winger as Cody Gakpo closes in on £85m Man City move

Liverpool are reportedly considering making a surprise late move for a top Premier League winger as Cody Gakpo's future appears certain.

With less than 36 hours left in the 2026/27 summer transfer window, Liverpool aren't slowing down with a number of major deals in the works.

In the space of just one hour, Andoni Iraola's side completed TWO new signings in the penultimate day of the window, brining a new goalkeeper and forward to the club.

Meanwhile a blockbuster deal for top target Bradley Barcola, who is set to join from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth up to £123million, is expected to be announced before the transfer deadline.

However, it isn't just incomings that Liverpool are working on ahead of the window closing on Tuesday evening, as several key players could still leave Anfield in the coming hours.

Perhaps the biggest name linked with a move away is winger Cody Gakpo, who has been strongly linked with Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City throughout the window.

As it stands, it is looking increasingly likely that the Dutchman, who has scored a goal and assisted another across Liverpool, will join City, who have opened talks with their rivals about a deal worth around £85m.

Given the fact that Liverpool signed Gakpo for just £35m from PSV Eindhoven after the World Cup in 2022, a £50m profit would no doubt be good business for Liverpool, but it could leave them light in attack for the remainder of the season.

READ MORE: Liverpool transfer target takes drastic action to force move with new bid imminent

And it's clear that Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk wouldn't support the sale of his compatriot, as he was asked about the proposed transfer following the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest at Anfield.

"What do you think? He's a quality player. I think we should keep quality players," Van Dijk replied.

"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."

It is believed that, following the arrival of Victor Munoz, the emergence of Rio Ngumoha and Barcola's imminent move, Gakpo would be open to a move to the Etihad due to fears he would no longer be first-choice at Liverpool.

Liverpool identify Cody Gakpo replacement ahead of Man City transfer

Should Liverpool sanction the sale of Gakpo to City, or any other club this summer, they will only do so with a direct replacement already lined up.

So far this summer the likes of Crystal Palace star Ismalia Sarr and Brighton's Yankuba Minteh have been targeted by Liverpool, who have had bids for both men rejected in recent weeks.

But now, it appears that another highly-rated Premier League winger could be Liverpool's next forward target, with a report from The Guardian linking them with Chelsea’s Estevao.

French journalist Francois Planteau, reports have labelled the 19-year-old as a 'dream target' for Liverpool, but intial enquires with Chelsea have suggsted that the teenage superstar is not for sale.

Despite this, Liverpool are reportedly "weighing up" making an official offer to test Chelsea's nerve.

Last season, Estevao scored eight goals and contributed four assists across 36 appearances in all competitions.