Liverpool identify ‘another Diogo Jota’ as talks set to take place for star player

Liverpool are reportedly ready to open talks with PSV and Netherlands star Cody Gakpo after the World Cup concludes - and he has been dubbed as 'another Diogo Jota'.

Gakpo has starred in Qatar thus far, scoring in each of Netherlands' first two fixtures in the competition.

His goal on the opening matchday against Senegal saw him make a late run in behind the opposition defence, before powering a header beyond Edouard Mendy.

Against Ecuador, he fired the ball in the near corner from 20 yards after receiving Davy Klaassen's pass.

His performances have only added to what has been a superb season for the 23-year-old so far. He has recorded nine goals and 12 assists in the Dutch top flight this term, as well as three goals and three assists in five Europa League fixtures.

Gakpo has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League - and both Manchester United and Leeds launched bids for the player in the summer.

But Liverpool are also reportedly keeping tabs on the player. In a boost to their chances, PSV director of football Marcel Brands told ESPN NL (via Tribal Football) that the Reds were a 'good partner' to sell Gakpo to.

Liverpool 'ready to open talks' with Gakpo

According to Voetbal Football journalist Marco Timmer (via Sports Illustrated), the Reds are ready to open talks with Gakpo after the World Cup concludes.

However, it is claimed that talks would not be a 'foregone conclusion'. However, a fee of €50 million could be enough to secure the player - which would break PSV's existing outgoing transfer record of €40m.

And Liverpool.com claim that, in Gakpo, the Reds may have found 'another Diogo Jota'.

Gakpo and Netherlands could face England in the World Cup as early as the last 16 stage, depending on the results in their respective groups tonight.

Therefore, the 23-year-old could come up against Reds stars Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold - who may be his team-mates next season if any deal can be completed by the Reds next summer.