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."
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The ECHO understands that talks between Liverpool and PSV reached an advanced stage, having significantly stepped up in recent days. The initial fee will stand around the £37m figure with add-ons likely to take the deal well past the £40m mark.
After providing 36 direct goal contributions across the 2021/2022 season for his boyhood side, the 23-year-old took that form into the Netherlands' FIFA World Cup campaign. He netted three goals in as many Group A matches to help Louis van Gaal's side qualify for the quarter-finals in Qatar.
Therefore, it is little surprise that a number of major European clubs were thought to be interested in signing Gakpo. Compatriot Erik ten Hag had previously expressed interest in a summer move but has now missed out to Liverpool amid takeover talk at Old Trafford.
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.
"If Jurgen Klopp was ringing me up over ten Hag, I know which club I would be going for. For the price, I think it's a steal."
Liverpool will complete a long-awaited return to Anfield in just three days' time when they play host to former boss Brendan Rodgers and Leicester City.
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