Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk was key to their swoop for PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo.

The Reds hijacked Manchester United's move for Gakpo on Boxing Day after reaching an agreement with the Dutch club to sign the rising talent for £44million.

And now there are claims that Holland international van Dijk spoke to the PSV star and helped engineer a move to Anfield despite interest from their league rivals.

Eindhovens Dagblad says Van Dijk made contact with Gakpo and convinced the winger to join the club amid rising interest in the 23-year-old's services.

The outlet claim that the conversation between the Holland stars was partly a reason for Gakpo choosing to join Jurgen Klopp's side.