As the Reds close in on the signing of Dutch forward Cody Gapko, it's time for your Liverpool FC morning headlines on Wednesday, December 28.
'Never off the phone' - Cody Gakpo sent Jude Bellingham transfer message ahead of Liverpool move
Former Liverpool star Jason McAteer believes Jurgen Klopp's management capabilities will have convinced Cody Gakpo to sign over Manchester United.
Following the Reds' 3-1 Boxing Day triumph over Aston Villa, supporters were treated to a belated Christmas present when it was announced that the two clubs had reached an agreement over a deal for Gakpo.
A statement from the Dutch club explained he will "leave for England imminently to be subjected to the necessary formalities ahead of the completion of the transfer."
READ MORE: Julian Ward can complete private Liverpool transfer mission with two final major deals
READ MORE: Jude Bellingham transfer pursuit 'accelerated' as £60m release clause reports emerge
And McAteer, who made 139 appearances for Liverpool, suggested to beIN SPORTS that the difference in managerial status helped the Reds pull off such a high-profile deal.
"You've asked for the comparison between Liverpool and Manchester United there," he stated.
"Jurgen Klopp can ring Cody Gakpo and say 'we may have Jude Bellingham at the end of the season, we've got Diaz back at the end of the season, we've signed Nunez, Salah is staying, I'm staying for another two or three seasons and we've got big ambitions and aspirations.'
"Klopp is brilliant at talking to players like that. I know with Virgil van Dijk, and I shouldn't really say this, he was never off the phone with him.
Read the full story HERE.
Liverpool legend 'not so sure' on Cody Gakpo as transfer concern raised
Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol has raised concerns over the imminent arrival of PSV Eindhoven captain and Holland starlet, Cody Gakpo.
In the aftermath of the Reds' important 3-1 win over Aston Villa, Jurgen Klopp's side was closing in on the 23-year-old's move to Anfield before the Dutch club announced his exit shortly after for a 'club record' fee.
The news comes just days before the January transfer window opens and for Liverpool, the move has been instigated amid the ongoing injury troubles. Luis Diaz was handed a setback in his recovery which has ruled him out until at least March whilst Diogo Jota was sidelined for an extended period prior to the World Cup.
But the former defender, who won four First Division titles with the Reds, has questioned the thought-process behind signing Gakpo. Manchester United and Arsenal were linked with his services, Erik ten Hag's side in particular were said to hold a strong interest in him.
"I'm not 100 per cent sure," Nicol told ESPN FC . "Where does he play? He doesn't play way up high, he doesn't play in the middle. He's kind of in between."
Read the full story HERE.
READ NEXT:
- Robin van Persie comments on Cody Gakpo send warning to Manchester United and Liverpool rivals
- Former Manchester United boss may have played key role in Cody Gakpo joining Liverpool
- Jurgen Klopp knows real truth about Darwin Nunez as Cody Gakpo hint dropped
- Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez promise much for Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp masterstroke at Aston Villa
- Michael Owen spells out next Liverpool transfer 'hope' after Cody Gakpo deal
