Liverpool AGREE shock £37m Cody Gakpo transfer from PSV Eindhoven as they hijack deal for Man Utd’s top target

LIVERPOOL have hijacked Manchester United's move for Cody Gakpo.

The PSV Eindhoven forward will travel to England for a medical "immediately" after the Reds agreed a £37million deal.

PSV said in a statement: "PSV and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement on the upcoming transfer of Cody Gakpo.

"The 23-year-old attacker will immediately leave for England where he will undergo the necessary formalities to complete the transfer.

"Both clubs are not making any announcements about the transfer fee. 'But this is a record transfer for PSV,' said general manager Marcel Brands.

The PSV management completed the transfer on Boxing Day and gave Gakpo permission to travel to England.

Gakpo will cost an initial £37m and the forward could complete a medical in the next 48 hours.

Liverpool have now won the race for Gakpo, who had offers from Leeds and Southampton in the previous transfer window.

Chelsea and Arsenal were also believed to be considering a move for the Dutch hitman, who has scored nine goals and set up 12 in 14 league goals this season.

But United were favourites for his signature after taking an interest in Gakpo following Erik ten Hag's arrival.

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The Red Devils were believed to be preparing a January swoop for the 23-year-old after opening talks with his representatives last month.

Gakpo was also said to be keen on joining United and expressed disappointment at the collapse of his proposed summer transfer to Old Trafford.

He said: “That was a tough period.

“I learned from that. I’m going to do it differently. What comes, that comes.

“I thought about Manchester United, but when that didn’t happen, I couldn’t remember. And I started to doubt. Leeds United did come. Should I go there?

“Now I wait for everything. I haven’t heard from Manchester United yet. When they come, I’ll think about it. I also seek the help of God in these decisions.”

Jurgen Klopp hinted at January business when recalling the impact Luis Diaz made after signing in the last winter window.

He said: “We have two long-term injuries up front.

“Last January, Luis Díaz 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?”