Tottenham have suffered a major setback in their pursuit of Cody Gakpo, with Man City now pushing to beat the Lilywhites to the Dutchman’s signature.Tottenham Hotspur have been one of the busier sides in the summer transfer window after signing eight players and spending £382million in the process.Still, head coach Roberto De Zerbi has hinted that Tottenham might not yet be done in the summer market, with at least one more signing expected to come through the door.When speaking about Spurs’ transfer activity and the potential of another signing, the Tottenham boss said: “I didn’t expect a transfer window like we have done. I think we can do one player more in one specific position. Yesterday we went to dinner with the owners, Johan and Vinai and we spoke about this. All of us are on the same page and a very good connection.”When asked if it will be another bomba, he added: “I think Savio and Marmoush are bomba. I don’t know what name you want to call them. Players of that height and level for sure.”Photo by Visionhaus/Getty ImagesTottenham suffer Cody Gakpo blow as Man City advanceReports have since suggested that the position Tottenham are looking to strengthen is the left-wing spot, where Mathys Tel remains the Lilywhites’ only option.Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo has been named as the top target for De Zerbi’s side, with reports even claiming that Tottenham have reached a verbal agreement with the Dutchman following talks with the Spurs boss.However, any move was dependent on Liverpool securing Bradley Barcola, who has now joined the Reds. But Manchester City are also keen on Gakpo and have since begun talks with the player’s camp.According to Fabrizio Romano, City are now believed to be stepping up efforts to sign Cody Gakpo, with the Blues advancing in negotiations with the player’s camp after contacts tonight and are now clear favourites.Liverpool are also now open to selling the Dutchman.Romano wrote: “Understand Manchester City are stepping up efforts to sign Cody Gakpo! City are advancing in negotiations with Gakpo’s camp after contacts tonight as clear favourite option for #MCFC. Liverpool only open to sale if they find replacement.”Romano also added in a second tweet that Man City are preparing to send an opening bid of £85m.🚨💣 Understand Manchester City are stepping up efforts to sign Cody Gakpo!City are advancing in negotiations with Gakpo’s camp after contacts tonight as clear favorite option for #MCFC.Liverpool only open to sale if they find replacement.🎥➕ https://t.co/iJNeR5YrmT pic.twitter.com/I7cy2i8C5V— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 29, 2026Gakpo makes Spurs decision as City talks advanceNot long after Romano’s report, The Athletic’s David Ornstein took to X to provide a major update on Gakpo’s future.According to the journalist, the Dutchman’s mind has been made up, with the 27-year-old choosing to join Manchester City instead of Tottenham.Both City and Liverpool are now working to reach an agreement in what is a big blow for Tottenham.Ornstein tweeted: “Cody Gakpo decides to join Manchester City & parties now working to reach agreement. 27yo faced 3-way decision after #LFC signed Bradley Barcola; stay or Tottenham Hotspur also options. Dutch int’l chose #MCFC + talks advancing”🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Cody Gakpo decides to join Manchester City & parties now working to reach agreement. 27yo faced 3-way decision after #LFC signed Bradley Barcola; stay or Tottenham Hotspur also options. Dutch int’l chose #MCFC + talks advancing @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/XNvR05Q3OQ— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 29, 2026READ MORE: Tottenham could be about to send a second player on loan to Juventus despite £35m price tagThe post Tottenham vs Man City in Cody Gakpo race: Liverpool are about to get an £85m bid appeared first on Spurs Web.