Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Dutch international forward Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven subject to a work permit for a fee of £37 million.

The 23-year-old, who scored three goals for the Netherlands at the World Cup, had been linked with a move to Liverpool’s rivals Manchester United.

But the Reds have moved quickly to strengthen a forward line that is short on players because Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota are hurt.

“Liverpool Football Club have reached an agreement for the transfer of Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven, subject to a work permit,” Liverpool said in a statement.

“The 23-year-old forward will officially become a Reds player at the start of the January transfer window after agreeing personal terms and successfully completing a medical.”

According to reports, Liverpool will pay an initial fee of £37 million ($45 million) with Gakpo signing a contract until 2028.

“I think this is a great club for me to come in and try to show what I can (do) and try to help the team to achieve more beautiful moments that they already did in the past years,” Gakpo told the Liverpool website.

“I think for me personally it’s also good to develop here and there’s a lot of great players here who I can learn a lot of things from.”