Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham are preparing to push harder for the Netherlands forward, with Romano reporting on his morning update that Spurs plan to “step up their efforts” as talks “enter into key stages soon.”

Any deal would still hinge entirely on what Liverpool are willing to do. Andoni Iraola’s side, according to Romano, are “very happy” with the 27-year-old, view him as an important player, and are not actively looking to move him on.

“The only way to open doors is if Tottenham present a really good financial proposal,” Romano told followers of his update on Sunday.

Gakpo, whose contract at Anfield runs until 2030, is understood to be a secondary target for Spurs alongside Manchester City winger Savinho. Romano’s read is that Tottenham have made genuine contact with the player’s camp and consider him “the right addition” for De Zerbi’s attacking rebuild in north London.

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Liverpool eye Barcola as PSG hold firm on price

The second strand of the Anfield story is louder still. Romano says a fresh round of talks between Liverpool and PSG over Barcola is set for the coming week, with the 23-year-old France international his club’s “top, top target” on the left.

“Next week, new contacts will be prepared between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain for Bradley Barcola,” Romano said. “The conversations will continue next week.”

PSG’s asking price is the sticking point. TeamTalk report the French champions want in the region of £145m, a number that would eclipse the £125m Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak and set a new Premier League record. Romano expects the process to drag.

“This is not going to be something imminent. This is going to be a saga in this summer transfer window,” he said.

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Barcola, who has just under two years left on his PSG contract, produced 20 goal contributions in all competitions last season and is reportedly “more than open” to the move.

Two strands, one Liverpool rebuild

The convenient framing is that a Gakpo exit could bankroll a Barcola arrival. Romano’s version is more restrained. He insists Liverpool are not pushing Gakpo towards the door, and the two files, for now, are running in parallel rather than as a straight swap.

There is some circumstantial support for movement at the other end of the deal. Fresh reporting this week suggests PSG are already lining up replacements for Barcola, with Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche closing in and negotiations opened with Ajax over Mika Godts.

None of it is done. Barcola has not agreed personal terms with Liverpool in public, Tottenham have not made a formal bid for Gakpo, and Liverpool have not signalled they are willing to sell. The next set of talks, on both fronts, is expected within days.

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