Cody Gakpo: PSV give Man Utd new hoop to jump through with January transfer hanging in the balance

Man Utd are expected to launch their first bid to sign Cody Gakpo next month, though reports out of the Netherlands have flagged up two potential issues.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s premature exit heightened the need for Manchester United to act in January. The Red Devils are seeking more firepower and few fit that bill better than Cody Gakpo.

The Dutchman top-scored for his country at the World Cup with three goals. Combined with his incredible form at club level for PSV Eindhoven, Gakpo has 36 goal contributions this season alone.

The 23-year-old is primarily a left winger, though is more than capable of leading the line if required. If United do sign the explosive frontman next month, he’s expected to play centrally.

The Telegraph recently reported Man Utd have settled on the size of their opening bid. A £43m offer is in the works and comes close to PSV’s apparent valuation of £45m.

A deal therefore looks straightforward, especially with the player on board with moving to Old Trafford. However, the latest from the Netherlands has thrown up two potential hitches.

Man Utd must do right by PSV

Firstly, Eindhovens Dagblad report the structure of United’s bid could be even more important than the sum offered.

The Express take that to mean PSV want all – or at the very least the vast bulk – of the money for Gakpo up front. The logic there is they’ll then be able to reinvest the funds in a direct replacement in the same window.

PSV are involved in a title race in the Eredivisie this year with Ajax weaker than we’re accustomed to seeing. Both clubs currently trail table-toppers Feyenoord by just three points.

PSV are therefore unlikely to sell Gakpo unless they can land a high class replacement who’ll ensure their title charge isn’t dashed.

Cody Gakpo deal must be wrapped up quickly

That brings us on to point number two, being PSV want a deal wrapped up early in the winter window.

The longer any Gakpo negotiations with United drag on, the less time it’ll give PSV to properly scout and then sign a replacement. With the top end of the table so tight at present, PSV can’t afford a single slip-up.

The report also highlights a third potential issue, being the presence of Real Madrid.

How seriously Los Blancos are about signing Gakpo isn’t clear. In any case, Man Utd are certainly fronting the queue right now and if they conduct their business in a manner that suits PSV, a deal should not slip through their fingers.

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