Andoni Iraola reveals Liverpool transfer priority as Cody Gakpo update issued amid Tottenham links | OneFootball

Reds set for a busy end to the window as Bradley Barcola talks ongoing

Andoni Iraola said Liverpool are hell-bent on signing wingers before the transfer window closes as talks continue over a move for Bradley Barcola.

Barcola is said to be keen to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer and is attracted by the prospect of joining Iraola’s Liverpool, but the two clubs remain embroiled in talks as they look to find common ground with regard to a transfer fee.

With the transfer window now due to close in less than two weeks, time is starting to run out for the Reds to bring in the necessary reinforcements. No replacement for Mohamed Salah has yet been signed, and the squad still appears threadbare in places.

But Iraola has now made a public plea to Liverpool’s executives to find him a wide forward before Deadline Day: "In terms of what we need, there are certain situations that, for me, are clear, especially on the wing because we do not have enough players able to play in those positions.

“Beyond those positions, I think we have to be open-minded in the market and look at situations that can improve our team.

"It is not about signing a player because we need someone in a particular position. No. It is about improving the squad. We have very good players already here, so to improve, you need a specific level of player."

New signings will only become more important as the transfer deadline draws closer, with midfielder Curtis Jones due to join Inter Milan in the coming days and Cody Gakpo heavily linked with a move to Tottenham, though no formal offer has yet been sent.

Iraola would not be drawn into giving a concrete update on Gakpo’s situation, but suggested he is in good stead to start at Newcastle on Saturday.

"Cody is performing really well. I think he has been training very well from the first day and understanding everything we need from his position.

"When you talk to him, you can feel that he understands the game and he is very smart. He has been one of our best players in the friendlies and performing very well.

"I cannot tell you the starting XI, the players don't know it, but he is definitely in a great spot."