Liverpool pursue Sarr after £50m bid rejected as Gakpo edges closer to Spurs exit

Liverpool are pressing ahead with a move for Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr after an initial bid of around £50m was rejected, with manager Andoni Iraola targeting three attacking signings before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

Iraola wants two wide players and a striker capable of covering Alexander Isak, and one of those slots has already been filled. PSG have accepted a £100m fee — rising to £120m with add-ons — for 23-year-old France international Bradley Barcola, making him the centrepiece of Liverpool’s summer rebuild.

Sarr, 29, is the preferred candidate for a second wide role. The Senegal international is comfortable on the right wing, the position left vacant by Mohamed Salah’s departure, and The Independent understands Liverpool have not been deterred by Palace’s resistance to the opening offer. The club had also explored a deal for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh but have since moved on following Brighton’s firm stance.

Should Liverpool complete their attacking targets, Cody Gakpo’s position at the club becomes uncertain. Tottenham have registered serious interest in the Dutch forward, and Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi is understood to be insistent on pursuing him despite the club having already spent in excess of £300m this summer.

When asked about Gakpo’s future at his Thursday press conference, Iraola offered little reassurance. “When the market is open, you cannot guarantee anything with anyone,” the Liverpool manager said.

The window closes on Tuesday, leaving both clubs limited time to finalise any remaining business.