The World Cup in Qatar was always bound to see Liverpool linked with potential new signings.
One of them is Cody Gakpo, who is impressing with the Netherlands. The 23-year-old has already scored two goals for his country in the competition, and his form is likely to attract attention to his signature.
The PSV Eindhoven forward has been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Leeds, as well as Liverpool, over the past few months. And if Gakpo’s form continues over the course of the World Cup, the Dutch club will have a lot of leeway in terms of negotiations.
READ MORE: 'I love the club' - Youssoufa Moukoko reveals transfer plan amid Liverpool links
READ MORE: Liverpool get Mason Mount boost after decision made on '£200,000-a-week' contract
Liverpool will already know PSV’s sporting director relatively well. Marcel Brands took on the role earlier this year, after leaving his post as director of football at Everton last December.
Given Gakpo has become PSV’s most high-profile player, interest in the player is likely to be high. In fact, speaking earlier this month Brands admitted that the club had already rejected bids from the Premier League.
Brands also admitted that he would not be against doing business with Liverpool over Gakpo should they make a move for the player. But having already rejected a bid worth up to €41million, with a price tag of at least €50m in the summer, that figure is likely to increase following the player’s performances at the World Cup.
"Liverpool is a club that is always very focused,” Brands told ESPN NL earlier this month. “Sometimes they get players for the next season in November. Would they be a good partner to send Gakpo in the summer? Yes, that's right.”
"Leeds United offered €30million with €11m as a bonus,” Brands claimed. “Six of them were to be payed if Leeds reached the Champions League. People said and wrote a lot about this, but no one within the organisation of PSV wanted to accept this.
"If United offered the money that we wanted to have for Cody, then we would’ve sold him. You can not stop him then. With bonuses we wanted to go up until €50m."
Brands added: "An agreement has been made with Cody and his management, we cannot ignore that.
“It is not a clause, but if the right club offers the right amount, then it is an option. Whether we already have an adequate replacement in mind? Of course there are always lists of names that we look at."
READ NEXT:
- 'I never thought I was going to be a Liverpool player' - brutally honest youngster explains exit and reality facing Academy hopefuls
- Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk issues scathing response to Marco van Basten 'failing' criticism
- Liverpool can take one major positive from narrow mini-derby defeat at Everton
- Jordan Henderson admits World Cup disappointment for Liverpool team-mate
- What Liverpool fans did that triggered Jurgen Klopp 'rage' in front of FSG and Steven Gerrard
