Sporting Director wants to sell deadly winger to Liverpool, not Man United

Gakpo has impressed in both domestic and continental football this term. He has nine goals and 12 assists in 14 Eredivisie appearances, as well as three goals and three assists in the Europa League.

The 23-year-old winger was excellent against Arsenal in Europe, assisting Luuk de Jong in PSV's 2-0 victory at home.

And he has carried his form into the World Cup, netting in each of Netherlands' opening two fixtures. Gakpo has lined up as a striker in Qatar, further proving his versatility across attack.

He almost joined Premier League side Leeds last summer, but the Whites had a bid rejected for the player.

Liverpool are one of a number of clubs linked with making a move for the Dutch international, along with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal.

But Brands - who was formerly sporting director at fierce rivals Everton - appears to have given the Reds a head start in their pursuit of Gakpo.

Speaking to ESPN NL (quotes via Tribal Football), he said: "Liverpool is a club that is always very focused. Sometimes they get players for the next season in November.

Brands also revealed that Leeds offered a fee totalling €41 million for the winger. However, €11m of add-ons were included, with €6m if the Whites qualified for the Champions League.

Therefore, if Erik ten Hag or Jurgen Klopp want the player to join their side, either in January or next summer, they know they must pay the required fee to get a deal done.