Man Utd 'set to hijack Liverpool's move for Ryan Gravenberch' after Erik ten Hag gives green light

Manchester United could get their revenge for Cody Gakpo's move to Liverpool, with Erik ten Hag plotting a move for a Reds target.

United were strongly linked with Gakpo earlier this season before the Netherlands international joined bitter rivals Liverpool instead in the January transfer window.

Gakpo has made an impressive start at Anfield, scoring six goals and providing three assists in his first 24 games for the Merseyside club.

Ten Hag will no doubt have been frustrated at seeing Gakpo join a direct rival, with United opting against making major signings in January.

But he could soon have his revenge, with United ready to hijack Liverpool's move for another Dutch player.

Football Insider claim Manchester United have entered the race to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.

Ten Hag has 'urged the recruitment team at Old Trafford to strengthen his midfield department with a powerful and athletic player', with Gravenberch one of his recommendations.

Gravenberch, 20, was handed his senior debut by Ten Hag at Ajax in 2018 after being promoted from the club's youth academy.

They spent two years together in Amsterdam before Gravenberch joined Bayern in a £16m move last summer and Ten Hag left for Old Trafford.

Liverpool also interested in Gravenberch

United are now willing to go head-to-head with Liverpool for Gravenberch's signature.

The Anfield club are also in the market for several new midfielders this summer, with Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella, Brighton duo Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo, and Chelsea's Mason Mount also on their list of targets.

Gravenberch could be open to a move to the Premier League after becoming frustrated with his lack of game time since moving to Bayern.

He has started just one game in the Bundesliga this season and recently sent a warning to Bayern over his playing time.

Speaking to Voetbal International, he said: "Training and playing at the top level for a year is beautiful and instructive. Although playing, it is mainly training.

"That has to change next season, then I really want to play weekly again.

"I haven't spoken to the club management yet, so just wait and see what happens.

"But it is clear that this role does not match my expectations."

Topics: Football, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League, Manchester United, Ryan Gravenberch, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Bundesliga

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan