Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has revealed he did reject an approach from Chelsea before making the switch to Anfield last month.

It was believed that Manchester United were the Reds’ biggest rival for the Dutch international’s services but Gakpo claims Chelsea was the main alternative:

“When I heard about interest from Liverpool in the winter (before January transfer window), I didn’t think about anything else. There was also Chelsea maybe but I already had my mind made up. This is a good place for me to improve and develop and eventually show who I can be.”

Gakpo seems convinced that working under manager Jurgen Klopp will best serve his development as a footballer but he has struggled badly since making the £44m move from PSV Eindhoven.

In six appearances for Liverpool so far, the 23-year-old has not managed to score a goal or provide a single assist. To be honest with you, he hasn’t really been a threat of any kind in the final third of the pitch.

Some of the problems are down to the fact that he is coming into a struggling team but there are also worries about his lack of physicality and pace, which raise questions over whether he is suited to the Premier League.