"I'm told..." - Romano explains how Liverpool beat Man Utd to Gakpo signing

Prominent transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed how Liverpool beat Manchester United to the signing of Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven.

News of a deal being agreed between the two clubs caught fans somewhat by surprise on Monday evening, with United believed to be leading the race to sign the 23-year-old.

In fact, CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs claimed that PSV were willing to sell the forward in January, and that the size of fee United put forward would result in a deal happening or not.

But it was Liverpool who eventually swooped, and Gakpo will be added to a star-studded attack including the likes of Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez after the Reds officially announced the signing on Wednesday evening.

On Tuesday, reports emerged from the Daily Mail that United are only looking to complete loan deals in January, which is believed to be a key factor as to why their pursuit of Gakpo failed, despite not placing a formal bid.

Now, Romano has explained the reason that Liverpool were able to get the Netherlands forward to sign on the dotted line.

Romano explains reason behind Gakpo to Liverpool

The transfer journalist explained on his Daily Briefing: "Manchester United had the chance to sign Cody Gakpo for a long time, but they never made any bid or negotiation with PSV.

"The talks were only between agents, and never club-to-club. Erik ten Hag had his name on his list but Manchester United decided not to make a £40m bid for a winger in January.

"I'm told Manchester United want a striker, not a winger. They will decide with Erik ten Hag. They've held conversations with [agent] Jorge Mendes, as with other English clubs, about Joao Felix, but it's not their only option."

Gakpo has proven he can play in a centre forward role, playing in a similar position for Netherlands at the World Cup under ex-United boss Louis van Gaal.

But the player is more often utilised on the left side of attack, where he has netted nine goals and provided 12 assists in 14 Eredivisie appearances. Ten Hag's side will now be looking at alternatives.