Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk aims to dig in at Manchester United as he discusses Cody Gakpo’s future after the Netherlands booked a World Cup quarter-final spot

Virgil van Dijk took aim at Manchester United when commenting on the future of Dutch team-mate Cody Gakpo.

Gakpo has been a star of this World Cup, scoring in all three of his group matches as he reached the knockout stages.

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The PSV Eindhoven striker failed to find the net against the United States in the round of 16 but remained a threat as the Netherlands prevailed 3-1.

The 23-year-old was linked with Manchester United in the summer, before eventually signing Antony from Ajax.

He also came close to joining Leeds, but will likely have much higher goals.

Liverpool defender Van Dijk has backed his international team-mate to take it to the next level and he continues to be linked with Old Trafford.

Van Dijk told The Athletic: “Are Manchester United and Real Madrid on the same level at the moment? No disrespect, not at all.

“I think he definitely has a next step in him. I really feel like it could happen.

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“Whether that happens in the winter or next year, time will tell. But he’s a great boy. [He] works hard, is very talented and there is definitely more to him. We are very happy that he is doing so well and that it continues for a long time.

Gakpo himself was asked about his future and admitted he is only focused on the World Cup at the moment.

“I have to be honest, I don’t think about that now,” he told The Athletic.

“I’m focused on the tournament and I want to keep performing well, keep helping the team. Hopefully when we become world champions we can think about other things.

“I try to stay focused and the other players don’t really talk about that stuff.”