Liverpool are in “advanced” talks with PSV Eindhoven to sign Manchester United target Cody Gakpo, it has been learned.
Gakpo, who scored three goals in five World Cup appearances for the Netherlands, came close to joining Man United in the summer and has continued to be heavily linked with the Red Devils ever since.
But over the past 48 hours, Liverpool have intensified interest in the 23-year-old and are looking to get him out of the grip of their rivals, reports the Times.
A deal for Gakpo would bolster Jurgen Klopp’s attacking options with Luis Diaz ruled out until March, while Diogo Jota is also injured.
Speaking after Liverpool’s win at Aston Villa, Klopp didn’t appear to rule out the possibility of bringing in new players in January.
“We have two long-term injuries up front,” the Liverpool manager said. “Last January Luis Diaz arrived which was very helpful for this part of the season. To do something similar this time? If it was a positive move, why not?
Diaz will undergo knee surgery after suffering a setback in his rehabilitation from an injury sustained in October. Meanwhile, Jota remains out with a calf problem that sidelined him in October.
Old Trafford has been seen as the likely destination for Gakpo, who has 13 goals and 17 assists in all competitions for his club this season.
But the report adds that interest in Gakpo has prompted Liverpool to act now in a situation similar to when they pinched Diaz at Tottenham in the last January window.
Premier League leaders Arsenal have also been linked with Gakpo with Gabriel Jesus for a long time with a knee injury, which he had since suffered earlier in December.
PSV are hoping to keep their player until the summer but seem resigned to losing him in the upcoming window.
“If I have a choice, I prefer summer, but it can also be now, you know there comes a time when you can’t say ‘no’,” said PSV boss Ruud van Nistelrooy .
“It’s wonderful the way he presented himself. I enjoyed watching him [at the World Cup]he deserves it because of the way he behaved, the way he continued to work and perform.
“I was able to help him very closely and that makes me proud. I will give him his way when he comes.
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