OFFICIAL: Liverpool sign Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven

Liverpool have made a £37million move for PSV Eindhoven striker Cody Gakpo.

Gakpo will sign long-term deal later this week as contract is fully agreed too.

Liverpool will pay £37m plus add-ons, up to £50m potential package.

Talks were at an advanced stage on Monday night as Liverpool moved to head off competition from Manchester United.

United had instigated talks but were still to finalise a financial offer and Liverpool have taken advantage.

Gakpo had offers from Leeds and Southampton last summer but chose to stay at PSV after the Dutch club rejected offers.

The 23-year old had chosen to wait for offers from clubs contending in the Champions League and despite the pull of United's Erik Ten Hag, Liverpool fit the bill.

Liverpool have concerns over Luis Diaz injury following his knee surgery while Darwin Nunez is struggling to find his rhythm after his move from Benfica.

Leeds offered £25m plus add ins for Gakpo in the summer but it was rejected with PSV believing the add ins were unrealistic. They have been holding out for a deal around £45milion for the Holland international.

United had been considered favourites but the ongoing talk over their sale has cast doubt over what funds are readily available this month.

They have also been offered Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid.

Liverpool and Holland defender Virgil van Dijk spoke glowingly about his Gakko during the 2022 World Cup.

'Hopefully Cody can go to the moon and back,' said Van Dijk during the tournament in Qatar. 'He is a very good player and a good boy too.

'What we see in training is what you see on the pitch. There is still so much potential and I hope he can carry on showing it for us. We are very happy with him.'