Gakpo sends message to Van Dijk ahead of Liverpool transfer as Romano reveals 'Agent Virgil' role

Virgil van Dijk played a key role in helping Liverpool convince Cody Gakpo to move to Anfield, Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

Gakpo, 23, had been linked with several Premier League clubs including Manchester United and Arsenal after impressing for the Netherlands at the World Cup in Qatar.

United were thought to be at the front of the queue to sign the PSV Eindhoven forward, who has scored 13 goals in all competitions for the Dutch club this season.

But on Monday night, PSV announced that they had agreed to sell Gakpo to Liverpool for a club-record transfer fee.

It is believed that Jurgen Klopp's side have paid an initial £37m fee for Gakpo, which could rise to £45m with add-ons.

Romano: Gakpo spoke to Van Dijk

Transfer expert Romano has now revealed that Gakpo spoke to his international team Van Dijk after Liverpool submitted a bid for him.

On Tuesday morning, Romano tweeted: "Cody Gakpo will travel to England in order to complete medical tests as new Liverpool player. Contract already agreed and signed.

"Gakpo spoke to Virgil van Dijk when the official bid was submitted - and he's now set to be unveiled as new LFC player."

Liverpool fans are delighted with the role Van Dijk played in convincing Gakpo to join, with one supporter replying on Twitter: "Agent Virgil."

Another added: "This is why I love Virgil."

While a third wrote: "Big agent Virg."

Gakpo sends message to Van Dijk

Gakpo, meanwhile, sent a message to Van Dijk on Instagram after Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Monday night.

Mohamed Salah, Van Djik and Stefan Bajcetic scored to secure a crucial win for Klopp's side away from home.

Following the game, Van Dijk took to Instagram to celebrate the victory, posting a picture of himself and Salah alongside the caption: "Back at it!"

Gakpo swiftly responded to the post with clapping and flames emojis.

The forward is now set to travel to England to complete a medical with Liverpool, who next face Leicester in the Premier League on Friday.

Klopp's side will then take on Brentford on January 2 and it is believed that Gakpo could be registered in time to feature in the match.

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