SerpApi.Org
Andoni Iraola has been urged to make a "cold-hearted" decision regarding Cody Gakpo's Liverpool future this summer.
The Netherlands international had a decent World Cup with two goals in the tournament as his side tumbled out of the tournament at the last-32 stage. Gakpo had been dealing with private issues but still performed admirably.
For former striker Emile Heskey, though, the attacker's domestic performances last season were not strong or consistent enough for the Reds and that's perhaps why the club should consider cashing in during this window. Tottenham Hotspur have been linked to Gakpo and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed the North London club are keen on the 27-year-old.
No offer has yet been forthcoming from Spurs but Heskey believes Liverpool must seriously consider a bid if it does arrive as Iraola has to mold his roster the way he sees fit.
That means allowing players from previous regimes, including Gakpo, to depart if the money is significant enough. "Yeah, I would consider selling Cody if a decent offer was on the table," Heskey told 10bet. "When you're coming in as a new manager, you have to cold-headedly look at your assets, and he is an asset who holds significant market value that you could cash in on to fund your own vision.
"He has had a decent enough World Cup in terms of scoring and creating chances for Holland, which keeps his profile high.
"But at club level for Liverpool, it hasn't consistently looked great for him. So yes, you'd definitely have to consider a serious offer."
Gakpo has been at Liverpool since 2023 and has made 180 appearances in those three years. The playmaker has found the net 50 times and chipped in with 23 assists but his future may not be in front of the Kop with interested parties keeping a close eye on the situation.
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Iraola is desperate to add to his squad and has other wide options in his mind including Paris Saint-Germain attacker Bradley Barcola.
The Frenchman is wanted at Anfield and could still make the switch from the Ligue 1 giants should they wish to dob business. Liverpool has been told Barcola might cost as much as $150million, perhaps more.
Then there is interest in Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig who also showed up for his nation, Ivory Coast, at the World Cup over the past number of weeks.
As many as six clubs are chasing Diomande who had previously suggested he fancied a crack with PSG over any other suitors.
That saw Liverpool resign themselves to defeat in its pursuit of Diomande. However no deal has been struck for the player yet.
Bournemouth's Alex Scott just rejected a new contract with the Cherries and Iraola could also potentially look to reunite with the England international he guided at the Vitality.
