Liverpool hijack Manchester United’s move for striker Cody Gakpo by agreeing £44m deal with PSV

Liverpool have agreed a €50million (£44m) deal with PSV Eindhoven for striker Cody Gakpo. 

The clubs held talks on Monday night as Liverpool moved to head off competition from Manchester United. 

United had instigated talks but were still to finalise a financial offer and Liverpool have taken advantage. 

Liverpool have hijacked Manchester United’s move for PSV and Holland striker Cody Gakpo 

Gakpo had offers from Leeds and Southampton last summer but chose to stay at PSV after the Dutch club rejected offers.

The 23-year old had chosen to wait for offers from clubs contending in the Champions League and despite the pull of United’s Erik Ten Hag, Liverpool fit the bill.

Liverpool have concerns over Luis Diaz injury following his knee surgery while Darwin Nunez is struggling to find his rhythm after his move from Benfica.

Manchester United were expected to make a bid after Gakpo impressed at the World Cup

Leeds offered £25m plus add ins for Gakpo in the summer but it was rejected with PSV believing the add ins were unrealistic. They have been holding out for a deal around £45milion for the Holland international.

United had been considered favourites but the ongoing talk over their sale has cast doubt over what funds are readily available this month.

They have also been offered Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid.

The 23-year old had chosen to wait for offers from clubs contending in the Champions League 

Liverpool and Holland defender Virgil van Dijk spoke glowingly about his Gakko during the 2022 World Cup.

‘Hopefully Cody can go to the moon and back,’ said Van Dijk during the tournament in Qatar. ‘He is a very good player and a good boy too.

‘What we see in training is what you see on the pitch. There is still so much potential and I hope he can carry on showing it for us. We are very happy with him.’