Virgil van Dijk has taken a swipe at Manchester United amid their reported interest in Cody Gakpo. Speculation regarding the winger’s future has dominated the transfer agenda at Old Trafford.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive exit and Gakpo’s sensational World Cup form have only heightened interest ahead of the January transfer window. The PSV sensation, alongside Marcus Rashford, Lionel Messi, Enner Valencia, Alvaro Morata and Kylian Mbappe, is the joint-top scorer in Qatar.
A breakout tournament is no surprise, as Gakpo has bagged 13 goals and made 17 assists in 24 outings for his club side this season. Any potential move next month will likely be worth twice the price due to his heroics at the World Cup.
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However, Liverpool defender Van Dijk - hardly a United ally - has planted the seed to keep Gakpo away from Old Trafford. Speaking after the Netherlands’ 3-1 win over the United States, the Reds centre-back claimed United are nowhere near Real Madrid’s level.
"Are Manchester United and Real Madrid on the same level? No disrespect, not at all,” Van Dijk said post-match. “I definitely think he has that next step in him. I feel like it could happen, whether that is in the winter or the summer or next year, time will tell.
"He is a great boy who works hard, very talented and there is more in him. We are so pleased he is doing so well for us. Long may it continue."
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