Breaking news! Cody Gakpo to move to Liverpool, Man United stunned!

Liverpool have reached a verbal agreement with PSV Eindhoven to sign Netherlands international forward Cody Gakpo in January.

This is a shocker for Man United who were desperate to land the Dutchman.

The 23-year-old was strongly linked with Manchester United, while Newcastle were interested last summer.

The agreed fee is between €40 to €50million and the 23-year-old has been given permission by his club to travel to England for a medical ahead of completing the switch.

A statement from the Dutch Eredivisie side read: “PSV and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement on the proposed transfer of Cody Gakpo.

Jürgen Klopp was keen to refresh his midfield with Jude Bellingham.

However, Borussia Dortmund are unlikely to consider selling the England international until the summer.

Gakpo has accumulated 35 goals and assists for PSV and the Dutch national team this season, maintaining the prolific form he showed in 2021-22.

Gakpo scored in each of the three group games for Louis van Gaal’s side at the World Cup.

He attracted widespread interest after his impressive performances in Qatar.

Leeds United came close to acquiring Gakpo on the final day of last summer’s transfer window and dispatched their director of football Victor Orta to conclude the purchase.

However, the attacker remained at PSV and his stock has risen in the intervening period.

Liverpool have a strong relationship with Gakpo’s representatives SEG, who also look after Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.

Liverpool won at Aston Villa on Monday to stay sixth in the Premier Leaguebut they are now only five points behind the Champions League places after a difficult start to the campaign.