Tottenham’s Cody Gakpo move stalls despite agreement with Liverpool star

Tottenham's hopes of signing Cody Gakpo have suffered a major setback despite the Liverpool forward already reaching an agreement in principle with Spurs.

Roberto De Zerbi remains keen to bring the Netherlands international to north London, and Tottenham have reportedly offered Liverpool more than €69m.

However, there has been little progress between the clubs, with the deal now potentially dependent on Liverpool signing another attacker.

Dutch journalist Joost Blaauwhof reports there is currently “radio silence” between Tottenham and Liverpool over Gakpo.

As things stand, he believes the chances of the transfer being completed “seem nil”.

That represents a significant change after earlier reports suggested Tottenham had made progress on the player's side of negotiations.

Gakpo is understood to be interested in joining De Zerbi's project and has already agreed personal terms in principle.

However, the 27-year-old will not attempt to force Liverpool into selling him.

That leaves Tottenham dependent on Liverpool changing their position.

Liverpool's own transfer business could prove decisive.

Andoni Iraola's side are pursuing attacking reinforcements, including Paris Saint-Germain players Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye.

According to Blaauwhof, Barcola is particularly important to Gakpo's situation.

If Liverpool fail to sign the French winger, Gakpo is considered unlikely to be allowed to join Tottenham.

Should Barcola arrive at Anfield, however, the situation could reopen. Gakpo would then have a decision to make before Tottenham and Liverpool attempt to reach a final agreement.

Iraola's recent comments also suggest Liverpool are currently planning with Gakpo.

The Reds manager spoke on Friday about using the Dutchman in his preferred position on the left wing, while also viewing him as an option through the middle.

De Zerbi has reportedly been pushing Tottenham to complete the signing quickly, even with Spurs also closing in on Manchester City winger Savinho.

For now, his request appears difficult to fulfil.

Tottenham have done much of the work required on the player's side, but Liverpool's reluctance means that is not enough to complete the transfer.

The next major development could therefore come from Liverpool's pursuit of Barcola rather than direct negotiations with Spurs.

Tottenham may have to wait for Liverpool to make progress with Barcola before the Gakpo deal can move again. Without another attacker arriving at Anfield, Liverpool appear unlikely to sanction the Dutchman's departure.

Should Tottenham keep waiting for Cody Gakpo or move on to another attacking target?