Virgil van Dijk has urged Liverpool target Cody Gakpo to snub a big-money move to Manchester United - insisting that Erik Ten Hag's side are not at the same level as other clubs reportedly interested in the forward.
The 23-year-old has followed in the footsteps of figures such as Kylian Mbappe, James Rodriguez and Luis Suarez in enjoying a phenomenal breakthrough at the FIFA World Cup, with his three goals so far helping the Netherlands book their place in the last eight of the competition.
Despite interest from Leeds United, Southampton and United in the summer, Gakpo decided to stay at the Philips Stadium and has relished the role of responsibility for PSV Eindhoven this season; firing 13 goals and 17 assists in all competitions thus far.
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However, his exceptional form at this winter's finals has generated plenty of talk about his future at the Eredivise outfit upon his return from Qatar. Italian publication Calciomercato recently reported that a fee in the region of £40m could tempt his club to part way with their most prised asset this winter.
But with scouts of top European clubs monitoring the forward's every move in the Middle East, his captain at international level, Van Dijk, has urged him to reconsider any potential move to Manchester United. Although the defender does believe Gakpo is ready to test himself with the next move of his novice career.
“Are Manchester United and Real Madrid on the same level? No disrespect, not at all," said Van Dijk after the 3-1 victory over the United States on Saturday. “I definitely think he has that next step in him. I definitely 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 definitely there is more in him. We are so pleased he is doing so well for us. Long may it continue.”
Van Dijk and Gakpo are next in action in the quarter-finals of the competition next week as they are tasked with overcoming Argentina in a bid to make the final four of the World Cup for the first time since 2014.
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