Here is your Liverpool morning digest for Wednesday, December 28.
Cody Gakpo is the next part of Liverpool's £185m transfer plan
With a subtle wink and a knowing nod, Virgil van Dijk let the cat right out of the bag on Boxing Night at Villa Park, writes Paul Gorst.
No sooner had Liverpool's players left the pitch after a hard-fought 3-1 Premier League victory, Van Dijk was dropping hints about what would be about to come for Reds fans.
"Hopefully the injured players can come back soon, and hopefully we can welcome some new players at our football club," he said "We will see. I think that quality is always welcome at Liverpool."
READ MORE: Robin van Persie comments on Cody Gakpo send warning to Manchester United and Liverpool rivals
READ MORE: Tom Werner has revealed Liverpool and Manchester United takeover truth with Cody Gakpo transfer
The Dutch defender clearly knew something most others didn't. Within minutes it was being announced that Liverpool had agreed a deal to sign Van Dijk's international colleague Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven.
As has become the trademark for Liverpool's recruitment department, they moved quickly and quietly to tie up a deal for the Eredivisie's top scorer. Talks, it is understood, progressed significantly just before Christmas before it was confirmed by the Dutch side later that night that Gakpo was indeed bound for Merseyside.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE.
Cody Gakpo has given the game away about Manchester United ahead of Liverpool deal
In the murky world of transfer dealings, there are always grey areas and blurred lines. Take the case of Cody Gakpo, writes Sean Bradbury.
The facts - confirmed by PSV - are that the Dutch side and Liverpool have "reached an agreement on the upcoming transfer". Gakpo, 23, will soon be in the UK for a medical, with the ECHO understanding an initial fee of £37m is in place for the deal.
The Reds have swooped and pushed ahead with talks quickly in recent days, mirroring what happened with Luis Diaz last January. As the ECHO's Paul Gorst reported, Gakpo was on the radar for a potential summer deal - with injuries to Diogo Jota and Diaz now accelerating that process.
Paul's piece from last night added: "The admiration of other clubs is also understood to have expedited Liverpool's interest, with Manchester United reportedly keen on the Netherlands international, who scored in all three group games at the World Cup."
It is clear then, that rival suitors were circling for Gakpo. United held a significant level of interest - but how far did that extend?
READ THE FULL STORY HERE.
READ NEXT:
- What Jordan Henderson did to silence fuming Aston Villa fans during Liverpool win
- 'Take care of our boy' - PSV fan sends emotional Cody Gakpo message ahead of Liverpool transfer
- Jurgen Klopp knows real truth about Darwin Nunez as Cody Gakpo hint dropped
- Jay Spearing reveals disease diagnosis after Liverpool U18s coach spends Christmas in hospital
- Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez promise much for Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp masterstroke at Aston Villa
