It is claimed that Cody Gakpo is hopeful that Bayern Munich's interest in him will lead to an improved contract from Liverpool.
Gakpo is one of several forwards who have been linked with a move away from Merseyside in the off-season, with uncertainty also hanging over the likes of Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa. Luis Diaz, too, has been linked with an exit but Liverpool reportedly has no intention of selling the Colombia international, amid interest from Barcelona as well as clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
Reports linking Gakpo with Bayern have only cropped up in the last few weeks, and it is reported that the Bavarian club's interest has intensified as a result of it missing out on Florian Wirtz to the Reds.
An initial discussion between Bayern and Gakpo's representatives reportedly took place three weeks ago, and it is claimed that Gakpo could be open to moving to the Allianz Arena if he isn't handed an improved contract at Liverpool.
However, much will depend on the future of Leroy Sane. If Sane, who is due to become a free agent this summer, ends up signing a new deal, Bayern will end its pursuit of a new winger.
Gakpo is still on the same terms he signed when he joined Liverpool two and a half years ago, but seemingly feels as though he is due an improved deal after a season in which he scored 18 times and registered seven assists.
Former Bayern and Netherlands star Mark van Bommel addressed the Gakpo-Bayern links in an interview with Sport Bild, suggesting he believes the 26-year-old would be a success in Munich. "Cody is doing very well for Liverpool and also for our national team," Van Bommel said.
"He's a very fast winger who performs brilliantly on his own. What's special is that he's also a very good finisher. He's a real goal threat!
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"In addition to his footballing qualities, Gakpo is Dutch - and Dutch players have always been good at Bayern. But I'm not on Bayern's scouting team..."
Liverpool, meanwhile, is continuing to work on a deal to sign Germany international Wirtz, after it emerged last month that he had opted to join the Anfield club ahead of Bayern.
Earlier this week, Wirtz dismissed a report that claimed he wanted to wear the No.10 jersey for his prospective new club. It was reported by Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg on Monday that Wirtz was eyeing up Alexis Mac Allister's number.
Wirtz did not take kindly to the claim, instantly rejecting it in an Instagram post. "Who says I want the 10? I respect players. Don't believe everything that's written," Wirtz wrote, alongside a clown emoji.