Liverpool are set to complete the signing of PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo.
Gakpo, 23, has been a long-term Manchester United target but interest in the winger from across Europe has intensified following his World Cup exploits.
The attacking midfielder scored in all three of Holland’s group games in Qatar and was previously courted by two of the Reds’ Premier League counterparts.
He admitted earlier this year that Leeds and Southampton had held talks over a transfer after a proposed move to Old Trafford fell through last summer.
But Jurgen Klopp’s side have stolen a march on their arch-rivals with a deal which is expected to be worth up to £50 million to the Eredivisie outfit.
“PSV and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement on the proposed transfer of Cody Gakpo,” confirmed a PSV statement.
“The 23-year-old attacker will leave for England imminently where he will be subjected to the necessary formalities ahead of the completion of 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 negotiations on Boxing Day and gave Gakpo permission to travel to England.”
Klopp hinted before his side’s Boxing Day win at Aston Villa that Liverpool may move in the January market to supplement several long-term injuries.
Luis Diaz faces up to three months out after suffering a relapse of the knee injury sustained in October while Diogo Jota is still on his road to recovery.
“Last season, we had Luis Diaz come in, which was very helpful for that part of the season, everybody would see that the same way,” said Klopp.
“But doing something again that is very positive – why not?”