Van Dijk made crucial phone call to Gakpo just an hour before Liverpool's explosive £44m move
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk helped convince Dutch team-mate Cody Gakpo to spend the winter at Anfield, we have learned.
The Reds diverted Manchester United's pursuit of the Dutch striker last night as Jurgen Klopp's side agreed a deal with PSV Eindhoven for a fee of £44million.
It has been claimed that a phone call between the two Dutchmen was key to Gakpo's last-minute decision to head to Merseyside instead of Manchester.
According Eindhoven's DagbladVan Dijk called Gakpo on Boxing Day after their 3-1 win over Aston Villa, amid growing interest in signing the 23-year-old .
Now it looks like the conversation was key to getting Liverpool a deal down the line.
United have been favorites to sign the Dutchman since the summer, with Erik ten Hag holding the advantage as he shares the same agent as Gakpo.
The Red Devils have reportedly started talks with PSV, but they have yet to agree a transfer fee and have now missed out on another big target.
Many other top European clubs have also sought Gakpo's services, such as Barcelona, Newcastle and Arsenal. But now Liverpool have beaten them all in a shock twist.
As reported by the Daily MailVan Dijk called for quality reinforcements for the Reds in a post-match interview yesterday, shortly before making the call telephone key.
He said: "I hope the injured players can come back soon and we can welcome new players to our football club.
"We'll see. I think quality is always welcome at Liverpool."
As mentioned by the defender, Liverpool are currently dealing with injuries to key players such as Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, so attacking reinforcements were definitely needed.
Gakpo definitely fits the description of 'quality', having dazzled for both club and country of late.
In 23 appearances in all competitions for PSV this season, the winger has already bagged 13 goals and 17 assists, numbers that Mohamed Salah would be proud of.
At the World Cup, Gakpo was arguably the star man for the Netherlands, scoring three goals in six games as Het Oranjes reached the quarter-finals.
His tournament in Qatar has only added to the growing interest, with PSV manager Ruud van Nistelrooy admitting last week that “there comes a time when you can't say no”.
Now it looks like the time has come thanks to Van Dijk, who appears to have delivered the final hammer blow to United's hopes of signing Gakpo.
Ten Hag is also in desperate need of attack reinforcements.
Marcus Rashford has been United's most reliable attacking option this season, scoring four goals and providing two assists in 14 league appearances so far.
However, Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Anthony Elanga have all struggled to find form this season, so the Dutch manager will need more quality goalscorers at his disposal if United are to continue their push towards the top four.
Now, however, they will have to look elsewhere.
READ MORE: Report claims Liverpool could hit target valued at £130m for just £60m after Gakpo blow
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk helped convince Dutch team-mate Cody Gakpo to spend the winter at Anfield, we have learned.
The Reds diverted Manchester United's pursuit of the Dutch striker last night as Jurgen Klopp's side agreed a deal with PSV Eindhoven for a fee of £44million.
It has been claimed that a phone call between the two Dutchmen was key to Gakpo's last-minute decision to head to Merseyside instead of Manchester.
According Eindhoven's DagbladVan Dijk called Gakpo on Boxing Day after their 3-1 win over Aston Villa, amid growing interest in signing the 23-year-old .
Now it looks like the conversation was key to getting Liverpool a deal down the line.
United have been favorites to sign the Dutchman since the summer, with Erik ten Hag holding the advantage as he shares the same agent as Gakpo.
The Red Devils have reportedly started talks with PSV, but they have yet to agree a transfer fee and have now missed out on another big target.
Many other top European clubs have also sought Gakpo's services, such as Barcelona, Newcastle and Arsenal. But now Liverpool have beaten them all in a shock twist.
As reported by the Daily MailVan Dijk called for quality reinforcements for the Reds in a post-match interview yesterday, shortly before making the call telephone key.
He said: "I hope the injured players can come back soon and we can welcome new players to our football club.
"We'll see. I think quality is always welcome at Liverpool."
As mentioned by the defender, Liverpool are currently dealing with injuries to key players such as Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, so attacking reinforcements were definitely needed.
Gakpo definitely fits the description of 'quality', having dazzled for both club and country of late.
In 23 appearances in all competitions for PSV this season, the winger has already bagged 13 goals and 17 assists, numbers that Mohamed Salah would be proud of.
At the World Cup, Gakpo was arguably the star man for the Netherlands, scoring three goals in six games as Het Oranjes reached the quarter-finals.
His tournament in Qatar has only added to the growing interest, with PSV manager Ruud van Nistelrooy admitting last week that “there comes a time when you can't say no”.
Now it looks like the time has come thanks to Van Dijk, who appears to have delivered the final hammer blow to United's hopes of signing Gakpo.
Ten Hag is also in desperate need of attack reinforcements.
Marcus Rashford has been United's most reliable attacking option this season, scoring four goals and providing two assists in 14 league appearances so far.
However, Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Anthony Elanga have all struggled to find form this season, so the Dutch manager will need more quality goalscorers at his disposal if United are to continue their push towards the top four.
Now, however, they will have to look elsewhere.
READ MORE: Report claims Liverpool could hit target valued at £130m for just £60m after Gakpo blow
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