Virgil van Dijk backs Barcola signing but warns Liverpool over Gakpo sale

Virgil van Dijk has backed Liverpool's move for Bradley Barcola but warned the club against allowing Cody Gakpo to leave Anfield during the final days of the transfer window.

Liverpool are set to complete a £123million deal for Barcola after reaching an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain. The France international is expected to undergo a medical on Merseyside before signing a five-year contract.

However, Barcola's arrival has increased uncertainty around Gakpo, with Manchester City and Tottenham both interested in the Netherlands international.

Liverpool have agreed to pay PSG an initial £110m plus £13m in potential add-ons for Barcola, making the winger the second-most expensive signing in the club's history.

Some supporters have questioned whether another forward should be Liverpool's priority, with Andoni Iraola's side also needing improvements in midfield and defence.

Van Dijk, though, has no doubts about Barcola's quality.

“He's a good player, that's the only thing I can say,” the Liverpool captain said.

“I don't think there's any doubt that a club like Liverpool is very attractive to very good players. This is one of the biggest clubs in the world.”

Liverpool have failed to win either of their opening two Premier League matches, increasing the pressure on Iraola's new-look side during the early stages of the season.

Van Dijk acknowledged the club is undergoing a transition but believes Barcola has attributes that could immediately strengthen Liverpool.

“He's a player with pace,” he added. “If he comes here then he will be welcomed with open arms. But until it's official, there's no point speaking about it.”

While Van Dijk approves of the Barcola deal, his position on Gakpo's future is equally clear.

The 27-year-old could become available following Barcola's arrival, with Manchester City and Tottenham both keen on signing him before Tuesday's deadline.

Asked whether he wanted his Netherlands teammate to remain at Liverpool, Van Dijk replied: “What do you think? He's a quality player. I think we should keep quality players.”

He also highlighted their close personal relationship.

“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.”

Barcola's arrival would give Iraola another elite attacking option as he attempts to reshape Liverpool following a difficult start.

However, Van Dijk clearly believes strengthening the squad should not come at the expense of losing Gakpo.

With Manchester City and Tottenham monitoring the situation, Liverpool must now decide whether to entertain offers or keep both attackers for the new campaign.

Barcola is expected to undergo his Liverpool medical before completing a five-year deal, leaving Gakpo's future as one of the major issues to resolve before Tuesday's deadline.

Liverpool must decide whether Barcola's arrival opens the door for a significant sale or whether keeping Gakpo provides Iraola with the attacking depth needed during a transitional season.