VIRGIL VAN DIJK has made a desperate plea for Liverpool not to sell Cody Gakpo.
The Reds are set to be busy in the final days of the transfer window, with Bradley Barcola edging towards a £120million move from Paris Saint-Germain.
Virgil van Dijk is desperate for Cody Gakpo to stay at Liverpool Credit: EPA
But the defender’s fellow countryman wants to join Manchester City Credit: Reuters
And Gakpo, 27, wants to join Manchester City in a £85million deal before Tuesday’s deadline.
But Van Dijk has urged Liverpool to hold onto his fellow Dutchman instead of cashing in.
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When asked whether he would like his team-mate to stay at Anfield, the Reds skipper 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.”
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Tottenham pinpointed Gakpo as a shock transfer target earlier this month.
But the winger is not interested in completing a last-minute move to North London.
And Man City entered the race for Gakpo’s signature when they decided to flog Savio to Spurs.
The former PSV Eindhoven man has made a stunning start to the Premier League season.
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Gakpo got his name on the scoresheet against Newcastle and grabbed an assist in Liverpool’s draw with Nottingham Forest yesterday.
And Van Dijk, 35, wants club chiefs to snub offers despite backing the decision to splash the cash on Barcola.
The defender, who slammed hydration breaks during the World Cup, 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.
Van Dijk is looking forward to Bradley Barcola’s arrival Credit: Getty
“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.”
Liverpool saw Mo Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate quit when their respective contracts expired in the summer, while Curtis Jones was sold to Inter Milan.
