Manchester City are exploring late transfer moves for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo and Everton's Iliman Ndiaye as the summer window enters its final three days. The Premier League leaders are reportedly considering an £80 million swoop for Ndiaye while also monitoring Gakpo's situation at Anfield, according to a report from Daily Mail Sport this week.
What are Manchester City's reported targets?
Manchester City have identified two potential attacking reinforcements. The club is interested in signing Cody Gakpo from Liverpool. No official approach has been made to Liverpool for the Dutch international at this stage. Gakpo started for Liverpool in their Premier League match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Liverpool would require a substantial fee to sell the player and are reportedly seeking two more forward signings themselves before considering a sale.
The other target is Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye. The potential fee for Ndiaye is around £80 million. He has three years remaining on his current contract at Goodison Park but has rejected offers of a new deal from Everton. Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in both Gakpo and Ndiaye, setting up potential competition for their signatures.
How does this fit with City's other business?
Manchester City's interest in these forwards comes amid other ongoing transfer activity. The club is also pushing to sign Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea. As a potential backup option, City have been linked with a move for Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister, though no contact has been made regarding that transfer at this time.
Meanwhile, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly looking at a move for Manchester City winger Jack Grealish. This creates a complex web of potential deals involving multiple clubs and players with the clock ticking down. The club's strong start to the season provides a solid platform for any new additions. Pep Guardiola's side currently sits first in the Premier League with six points from two wins, having scored six goals and conceded two.
What is the current squad context at City?
Any new signings would join a squad that has begun the campaign in dominant form. Manchester City lead the Premier League by three points over Brighton. Their perfect record of two wins from two games gives them momentum heading into the next phase of the season. You can view the full squad details on our squad page.
The team's next fixture is at home against Coventry on September 5th. Coventry currently sit 18th in the table. This match presents an opportunity to maintain their early advantage at the top of the standings. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on our fixtures and standings pages.
What happens next before the deadline?
With only three days remaining in the transfer window, activity is expected to intensify. Manchester City's interest in Gakpo and Ndiaye remains at an exploratory stage, with no formal bids confirmed by the reporting outlet. The substantial fees involved, particularly the reported £80 million for Ndiaye, mean any move would represent a major investment.
The club must weigh these potential signings against their existing attacking options and the overall balance of the squad. Their early-season form suggests the team is already functioning at a high level, but Guardiola and the recruitment team are always looking to strengthen. The coming days will determine whether these reported interests translate into concrete offers and completed deals.
