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'I want him to stay' - Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has publicly tried to persuade Cody Gakpo to remain at Anfield as Manchester City step up their chase for the Netherlands international.

With the transfer deadline closing in quickly, the defender has underlined just how important Gakpo is to the squad, even as major-money additions are set to arrive.

Van Dijk makes his position clear on Gakpo's future

Van Dijk has addressed Gakpo's future after reports emerged that Manchester City have opened discussions with Liverpool over a deal for the versatile forward. The 27-year-old has emerged as a leading target for Enzo Maresca's side in the final hours of the summer transfer window. Van Dijk, who has played alongside Gakpo for both club and country, is keen for the attacker to resist the attraction of the Etihad Stadium and continue as part of the project currently being led by Andoni Iraola at Anfield.

Making it clear that he wants Liverpool's core group to remain intact, Van Dijk left no doubt about how highly he values Gakpo. "He's a quality player and I think we should keep quality players, but let's see what the next three days bring," the captain said. "Obviously it's pretty clear that I want him to stay, not only because he is the quality player that he is, but also he's a friend of mine and I think he will be very important for us."

Manchester City's surprise late push

City's interest has caused major surprise across the Premier League, with the club reportedly prepared to pay £75 million to land Gakpo. Even though Liverpool have had an uneven start to the season, including 2-2 draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, Gakpo has been one of the team's brightest performers, contributing one goal and one assist in the first two matches. Still, the Reds seem increasingly open to listening to major offers as they try to balance their finances after making sizeable investments in the squad during this transfer window.

Although Manchester City are currently leading the race, they are not the only club keeping a close watch on developments. Reports indicate that Liverpool regard Gakpo as a proven and multi-functional Premier League attacker, but throughout the summer they have also accepted that they would not block his exit if a big enough bid came in.

The Barcola effect and Liverpool's transition

One major reason behind the possibility of Gakpo leaving is the expected arrival of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain. The French winger is on course to join Liverpool in a transfer that could reach £123 million, which would make him the second most expensive player in Premier League history. That huge outlay has led to suggestions that Gakpo may slip further down the pecking order, potentially opening the door for a move away.

Even so, the sporting gamble involved in selling him would be significant. Liverpool are already facing a growing injury list in attack. Hugo Ekitike is expected to be out until 2027 after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon, while Alexander Isak has continued to deal with his own fitness problems.

Late rush for replacements at Anfield

Liverpool's readiness to allow Gakpo to leave depends heavily on whether they can bring in another winger before the transfer deadline. The club is said to be searching the market for solutions so they are not left short in that area. Among the players linked with a move to Merseyside are Brighton's Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr. Liverpool's recruitment staff are working continuously to make sure that any outgoing transfer is matched by a quality incoming signing, but the limited time available is making those talks extremely difficult for everyone involved.