"What I'm told..." - Major boost for Man Utd and Arsenal as Romano claims Liverpool reports are false

Manchester United and Arsenal have received a boost in their pursuit of PSV star Cody Gakpo, with Fabrizio Romano revealing an update on Liverpool's role in the chase.

United, in particular, have been heavily linked with completing a deal for Gakpo, who has previously confirmed he held talks with Erik ten Hag in the summer.

PSV chief executive Marcel Brands hinted earlier this week that 'maybe 10 to 12 clubs' would be able to afford Gakpo, with Romano previously claiming that a fee of £43 million would be enough to convince the Dutch club to sell.

The Arsenal links are less concrete. The Athletic's David Ornstein has said that Shakhtar Donetsk's Mykhaylo Mudryk is the Gunners' priority signing in January, although it appears the club are lining up alternatives if that deal cannot be completed.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the Gunners will be 'active' in the transfer window.

And Gakpo, who scored in all three of Netherlands' group games at the World Cup, could be one of their new additions.

Dutch outlet Voetbal International (via Liverpool Echo) claimed last month, meanwhile, that Liverpool were set to open talks with the 23-year-old's representatives - but Romano has now clarified the Reds' stance.

Romano gives Liverpool Gakpo update

Romano has stated that, whilst there have been rumours over Liverpool wanting Gakpo, negotiations have not gotten underway for the moment.

Speaking to The United Stand, he explained: "There is competition [for Gakpo] because there are clubs informed.

"But honestly, on all the rumours I saw, like 'Liverpool are in talks for Gakpo', from what I'm told, at the moment, there are no talks between Liverpool and Gakpo."

The reports will come as a boost to United and Arsenal, who could now battle it out for the signing of the winger, who has nine goals and 12 assists to his name in 14 Eredivisie appearances this season.

The Reds, meanwhile, have agreed a 'pre-contract agreement' with Benfica over the signing of Enzo Fernandez, according to Portuguese outlet Record.

In addition, Gazzetta dello Sport claim they are also keen on signing Atalanta defender/midfielder Giorgio Scalvini.