Liverpool are trying to secure a deal for Cody Gakpo and beat Manchester United with his signing (Image: Getty)

Liverpool have hijacked Manchester United’s transfer to Cody Gakpo and are in advanced talks to sign the PSV Eindhoven star.

Erik ten Hag had made the 23-year-old his number 1 target for January after nearly signing the versatile striker this summer.

With Cristiano Ronaldo gone and Jadon Sancho not yet ready to return to the first team, Ten Hag is keen to bring more firepower to a side currently dependent on Anthony Martial’s questionable fitness.

With Luis Diaz out for about three months following a setback in his recovery from a knee injury, Liverpool are also without attacking options and Jurgen Klopp is determined to tackle that problem.

Liverpool swiftly beat Tottenham 12 months ago with the signing of Diaz and are close to a repeat and sling Gakpo from one of their main rivals, according to The Times.

Liverpool will pay £37m upfront, rising to £50m with add-ons

PSV wanted to keep Gakpo until the summer, but manager Ruud van Nistelrooy admitted interest in the player meant a deal was possible at the time.

“If I have the choice, I prefer summer, but it might as well be now, you know there will come a time when you can’t say no,” Van Nistelrooy said recently.

Liverpool winger Luis Diaz probably out until March (Image: Getty)

“It is wonderful how he has shown himself. I liked watching him [at the World Cup]he deserves this because he behaved, how he continued to work and perform.

“I was able to help him up close and that makes me proud. I will show him the way when the time comes.”

Securing a place in the top four remains the priority for Klopp and Liverpool this season after an unusually slow start to the season.

Liverpool returned to the competition with a 3–1 win over Aston Villa on Boxing Day, as their manager promoted new players over the next few weeks.

“We have two long-term injuries up front,” said Klopp.

“Luis Diaz came in last January and it was really helpful for that part of the season. Are you doing something similar this time around? If it was a positive move, why not?”