Hidden advantage Manchester United have over Liverpool in Cody Gakpo battle - could be a game changer

Manchester United have a hidden advantage over Liverpool in the race to sign PSV star Cody Gakpo.

The Netherlands forward has been one of the stars of the World Cup, having netted in all three of his appearances in Qatar so far.

Meanwhile, at club level Gakpo has scored 12 goals and provided 15 assists for his teammates this term.

Liverpool have been tipped to sign the 23-year-old, while Leeds were also linked to the Netherlands star in the summer.

However, Man Utd may have an advantage over both of their Premier League rivals in the pursuit of Gakpo.

Gakpo’s agent

Gakpo is represented by SEG, who also represents Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag, according to the Telegraph. This could prove to be a significant advantage in Man Utd’s pursuit of the player.

Indeed according to transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano PSV were initially preparing to sell Gakpo at the end of the season but could decide to take advantage of his rising stock post-World Cup.

Man Utd have long been keen on landing the forward, and are said to have regular contact with the player’s representatives.

They are unlikely to be the only club in the race, with three or four other sides tipped to rival Man Utd when the bidding opens in January.

Romano tweeted: “There are chances for Cody Gakpo to leave PSV already in January. Original plan was to sell him in the summer but could change after excellent World Cup.

“Man United remain in contact with his agents. There are 3/4 clubs in the race.”

The Red Devils have been tipped to use the money saved by Cristiano Ronaldo’s acrimonious departure to fund a lucrative bid for Gakpo.

Former Netherlands footballer Hans Kraay Jr insisted that PSV could be forced into cashing in at the turn of the year.

Kraay Jr told Voetbal Primeur: "Gakpo is gone.

“PSV is not going to keep him, and can no longer keep him. Gakpo will play in the Premier League. The chance that it will be Manchester United is now a lot bigger because Cristiano Ronaldo is gone. They have even more money available."