Player Erik ten Hag really wants told to snub Man United and join Liverpool

Former Netherlands international Ryan Babel has told Cody Gakpo that he should move to Liverpool if they make an approach for him, amid major interest from Manchester United.

Both clubs have been heavily linked with Gakpo in recent months, and those links have stepped up a gear due to the 23-year-old's impressive performances at the World Cup.

The PSV star, who is representing Louis van Gaal's Dutch side in Qatar, has netted in all three of his nation's group games thus far, and is the joint top scorer in the competition.

Prominent journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that PSV could ask for as little as £43 million to sell Gakpo to another club, which, given his talents, could end up being a bargain in terms of today's transfer market.

And United see him as one of their top targets, following up their interest from the summer. Manager Erik ten Hag is seemingly a big fan of the player, with Gakpo confirming in an interview with The Times that the pair held talks over a move to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils placed a bid for Gakpo, but PSV chief executive Marcel Brands recently confirmed the offer did not meet the Dutch club's valuation.

He then went on to tell ESPN NL (via Tribal Football) that Liverpool would be a 'good partner' to sell the forward to.

Now Babel, who used to play for Liverpool and had three spells at PSV's fierce rivals Ajax, has had his say.

Ryan Babel on Cody Gakpo future

Writing in his column for The Athletic, Babel gave his verdict on where Gakpo should choose as his next club if he leaves PSV - and named one club other than Liverpool.

He said: "He's 23, and I'm curious to see if PSV can hold on to him until the end of the season.

"They are third in the Eredivisie, but three points off the top. If they want to win the league, they will need to keep him, as he's assisting, he's scoring and he's always involved with his team's attacks.

"You see him linked to clubs in England, such as Manchester United. Everyone has the right price so let's see how he develops [in the World Cup].

"He has shown enough quality that he is ready for the next step, whether it's in January or next summer.

"As a Liverpool fan, I would tell him to go to Liverpool if they make an approach! Arsenal would also be an incredible team for him, with the current manager and project that they're building.

"He has to follow his heart."

Gakpo and Netherlands are next in World Cup action on Saturday, when they take on USA in the last 16 stage.