Virgil van Dijk has urged Liverpool to keep Cody Gakpo at the club amid interest from Manchester City.
Sources told ESPN City and Liverpool are in talks over a potential deal for the Netherlands international, who would be valued at around £85million ($115m.)
His exit will only be sanctioned if Liverpool sign another wide forward, in addition to Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola, who is set to undergo a medical on Sunday after the Reds agreed an overall package of £123million ($166m) with the French side.
Asked whether he would like Gakpo to stay at Anfield after Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest, Van Dijk said: “What do you think? He’s a quality player. I think we should keep quality players.
“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.”
Reflecting on the impending arrival of Barcola, the Liverpool captain added: “He’s a good player, someone with pace, I remember a goal he scored against Chelsea [in the Champions League last season.] If he comes here then he will be welcomed with open arms.
“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. We all know that we’re going through a little bit of a transition. You either want to be a part of it or you don’t.
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“Adding quality to the squad always makes a difference. Let’s see what the next few days bring. After Tuesday we have to fight for everything with no regrets.”
