Recent reports have suggested that Manchester United have indicated interest in World Cup star Cody Gakpo as Erik ten Hag who is in desperate need of attacking reinforcements after Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract was terminated last month is believed to be a huge fan of his compatriot.

Meanwhile, current report reaching National Daily claims that Liverpool had moved so quickly to secure a deal for the 23-year-old.

the report further reveals that Manchester United had not even begun to formulate an official offer, though there are suggestions that some at the club were not totally convinced by the PSV star.

National Daily gathered that the 23-year-old is believed to be travelling to Merseyside to complete his move to Anfield after the Reds struck an agreement with PSV worth an initial £37million.

Gakpo is understood to be travelling to Liverpool to complete his move to Anfield

However, BBC Sport report that United’s scouting department were ‘never convinced’ about the winger’s level of development and were wary of paying PSV’s asking price.

Although Gakpo has netted nine times and laid on 12 assists in just 14 Eredivisie appearances this season – as well as netting three times at the World Cup – there were still some lingering question marks over his ability to make the step up to the Premier League.

According to the Daily Mail, United never even got as far as finalising a first bid for Gakpo and felt the £44m valuation – with Liverpool paying a further £7m in add-ons – was inflated.

When United were interested in the summer, they valued Gakpo at closer to the £30m mark – which is roughly the figure Southampton and Leeds agreed with PSV just a few months ago.

Another issue that affected United’s pursuit is the club’s current situation away from the pitch, with the Glazers reluctant to invest heavily in transfers while they are actively looking to sell up.

As such, United will likely only be able to make loan signings in the January window – something which was never an option with Gakpo and allowed Liverpool to swoop in.

Having missed out on the Dutchman, the Red Devils could now focus their attention on Joao Felix or Goncalo Ramos, with both players potentially available on loan.

Presently at United, Ten Hag can only boast of just two senior strikers at his disposal in Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford – though the latter’s best displays have come off the left wing – while he is also waiting for Jadon Sancho to return to training.