Liverpool have hijacked Manchester United’s move for Cody Gakpo and are in advanced talks to sign the PSV Eindhoven star.
Erik ten Hag had made the 23-year-old his No.1 target for the January window having come close to signing the versatile forward in the summer.
With Cristiano Ronaldo having departed and Jadon Sancho not yet ready to return to the first team fold, Ten Hag is desperate to add more firepower to a squad that currently reliant on the questionable fitness record of Anthony Martial.
With Luis Diaz out for around three months having suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury, Liverpool are similarly short of attacking options and Jurgen Klopp is keen to address that issue decsiively.
Liverpool moved swiftly 12 months ago to beat Tottenham to the signing of Diaz and, according to The Times, are set to pull of something of a repeat and snare Gakpo from one of their main rivals.
Liverpool will pay £37million up front, rising to £50m with add-ons
PSV had wanted to keep Gakpo until the summer, but coach Ruud van Nistelrooy conceded the level of interest in the player meant a deal could happen in this window.
‘If I have the choice, I prefer the summer, but it can also be now, you know there comes a time when you can’t say, ‘no’,’ Van Nistelrooy said recently.
‘It is wonderful how he has showcased himself. I enjoyed watching him [at the World Cup], he deserves this because of how he has behaved, how he has continued to work and perform.
‘I was able to help him from very close by and that makes me proud. I’ll give him his path when it comes.’
Securing a top four place remains the priority for Klopp and Liverpool this season following an uncharacteristically sluggish start to the campaign.
Liverpool returned to competitive action with a 3-1 win away against Aston Villa on Boxing day, after which their manager hinted at new arrivals in the coming weeks.
‘We have two long-term injuries up front,’ said Klopp.
‘Last January, Luis Diaz came in which was very helpful for that part of the season. Doing something similar this time? If it was a positive move, why not?’
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