Liverpool are in advanced talks with PSV Eindhoven over the transfer of the Netherlands midfielder Cody Gakpo, a long-time Manchester United target.
Gakpo scored in each of the three group games for Louis van Gaal’s side at the World Cup and has attracted widespread interest after his impressive performances in Qatar. The attacking midfielder has been strongly linked with United, where the manager, Erik ten Hag, is a confirmed admirer and has reportedly met the 23-year-old’s representatives, while Newcastle were interested last summer.
Liverpool, however, are understood to have joined the race for Gakpo and have made rapid progress in negotiations with PSV, who had intended to keep their homegrown talent until the end of the season and value him at about £50m. It is not known at this stage how much Liverpool have offered.
Jürgen Klopp is keen to refresh his midfield with Jude Bellingham a favoured option, although Borussia Dortmund are unlikely to consider selling the England international until the summer. The Liverpool manager has said the Anfield club are “prepared” to move in the January market, and hope to beat several suitors to the signing of Gakpo as they look to close in on Champions League qualification in the second half of the season.