"Never off the phone..." - Klopp's tactics revealed as Gakpo sent Bellingham message

Former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer has revealed a transfer tactic that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has used to help convince players to join the club.

Liverpool are set to officially complete their first January signing before the window opens, with the club having agreed a deal with PSV to sign Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo.

The 23-year-old, who was of interest to Manchester United, is set to travel to England for a medical today, and could be announced as early as this evening.

He will likely replace Luis Diaz on the left side of Liverpool's attack whilst the Colombian recovers from a knee injury, but can also play centrally and in midfield.

Meanwhile, the Reds have been heavily linked with the signing of Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham, who enjoyed an impressive World Cup with England.

The Daily Mail claim that Bellingham remains the club's number one priority for the summer, and the 19-year-old could be available for a fee of just £60 million.

Now, McAteer has explained how Klopp may have convinced Gakpo to join Liverpool - and how Bellingham could be involved.

McAteer on Klopp transfer tactic

Speaking to beIN Sports, McAteer, who played for the Reds between 1995 and 1999, said (quotes via Liverpool Echo): "You've asked for the comparison between Liverpool and Manchester United there.

"Jurgen Klopp can ring Cody Gakpo and say, 'We may have Jude Bellingham at the end of the season, we've got Diaz back at the end of the season, we've signed Nunez, Salah is staying, I'm staying for another two or three seasons and we've got big ambitions and aspirations'. Klopp is brilliant at talking to players like that.

"I know with Virgil van Dijk - and I shouldn't really say this - he was never off the phone with him.

"If Jurgen Klopp was ringing me over Ten Hag, I know which club I would be going for. For the price, I think it's a steal."

CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs claims that United did not place a formal bid for Gakpo, but it appears that Klopp may have been a key factor in the Netherlands international choosing Anfield as his next club.

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Topics: Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Jude Bellingham, Premier League, Transfers, Cody Gakpo

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.