Liverpool have chance to repeat Luis Diaz trick for January transfer target

Tottenham have PSV winger Johan Bakayoko on their list of transfer targets as the January window opens, according to reports. The Belgian has previously been linked to Liverpool.

Spurs look keen to strengthen this month, with Ange Postecoglou's side performing above expectations so far in 2023/24.

Following a 3-1 win over Bournemouth, Tottenham sit fifth in the Premier League table – just three points off leaders Liverpool.

The transfer window promises to be a key moment in Spurs' season, with Postecoglou's side one of the hardest hit by injury so far. While defenders are known to be the priority for Tottenham – Liverpool's Joe Gomez has even been linked – they are also interested in PSV's rising talent Bakayoko, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

He claims that the 20-year-old, who was the subject of interest from the Premier League over the summer, is among Spurs' targets as they search for a new winger.

Brentford made a £34m bid for Bakayoko back in August, only for the player to turn down the offer in order to stay at PSV and compete in the Champions League group stage.

The eight-cap Belgium international has impressed in Europe and domestically so far this season, scoring four times and registering nine assists across all competitions.

Galetti adds that along with Spurs' interest, Bakyoko is 'strongly appreciated' by Liverpool – who have been regularly linked with the youngster in recent months.

The Reds are not thought to be in the market for attacking additions in January, with defence more likely to be the area of focus – if any major first-team signing is made at all.

However, Liverpool do have form for advancing their transfer plans on long-term targets when faced with the threat of interest from rivals.

Back at the start of 2022, the Reds announced an initial £37.5m deal for Luis Diaz from Porto – a move which caught many off-guard. It was subsequently reported that Liverpool had planned to move for Diaz the following summer, but brought forward their move amid a bid from Tottenham.

After the hijacked deal was completed, Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com: "I could not be happier that we’ve been able to get this deal done and bring Luis to Liverpool.

“I have always been a believer in only signing players in January if you would want to sign them in the summer, and that’s very much the case with Luis.

“He is an outstanding player and someone we’ve been tracking for a very long time."

One year later, the Reds completed the transfer of Cody Gakpo from Bakayoko's club PSV, another player who had been the subject of interest from a rival – this time Manchester United.

Jurgen Klopp has recently insisted that Liverpool unlikely to spring any deals in this window, highlighting how hard it is to get business done in January. However, the Reds have made eight first-team January signings in Klopp's eight years at the club – and are the masters of seizing an opportunity.

However, regardless of Spurs or Liverpool's possible interest, the chances of Bakayoko being prised away from PSV at the moment may be slim. The Dutch side are still in the Champions League and leading the title race in the Eredivisie. As a result, he is more likely to be available in the summer.

Speaking earlier this season, the forward said of the failed move to Brentford: "For the moment, PSV is the club of my dreams.

"During previous transfer windows, I knew the plan was to stay at PSV. And there was no way I was going to change my mind. It doesn’t matter what the offer or the identity of the club is. I don't want to go against my principles.

"When I have decided something with those around me, I stick to it. When Brentford made an offer last summer, I didn't think for a second. It was clear in my mind that I was staying at PSV. I can understand why it surprises people that I act this way."