Liverpool appear to be making an early move in the transfer market ahead of January with the signing of Cody Gakpo.
The ECHO understands that Liverpool have stepped up their interest in signing PSV Eindhoven forward Gakpo. Talks between the Reds and PSV have reached an advanced stage, having significantly stepped up in recent days.
It's understood the initial fee will be around the £37m figure with add-ons likely to take the deal with the Eredivisie club well past the £40m mark.
READ MORE: Cody Gakpo close to Liverpool transfer after advanced negotiations with PSV
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Gakpo is a team-mate of Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk for the Netherlands. The pair were recently part of their country’s squad for the World Cup in Qatar.
The PSV forward scored three goals in the World Cup, but could not help his country get past Argentina in the quarter-final. And it was during the tournament where speculation surrounding his future began to intensify.
Van Dijk was asked about the future of Gakpo, with the player being heavily linked with both Manchester United and Real Madrid. When asked about the prospect of his countryman joining either club, Van Dijk gave a brutal response.
“Are Manchester United and Real Madrid on the same level at this moment?” Van Dijk replied, as quoted by The Athletic.
“No disrespect, not at all.
“I think he definitely has a next step in him. I definitely feel like it could happen. Whether it happens in the winter or next year, time will tell.
“But he’s a great boy, works hard, is very talented and there’s definitely more in him.
“We are very pleased he’s doing so well and long may it continue.”
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