Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Cody Gakpo: Star makes feelings clear over Man Utd transfer as PSV warn Erik ten Hag of hurdle in move

PSV ace Cody Gakpo

Manchester United have taken a significant step closer towards the signing of Cody Gakpo with the player reportedly making his mind up over a potential move to Old Trafford.

It’s proved a summer of frustration so far for new United boss Erik ten Hag. While he has welcomed in three new signings, long delays in securing other targets – namely Frenkie de Jong – have been huge sources of irritation. To that end, United look further away than ever before towards a potential deal for the Barcelona midfielder.

As such, it’s little surprise to see Ten Hag move on to other targets. And it seems a move for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot is progressing a little bit quicker, despite his mother and agent throwing a potential spanner into the works.

United are only likely to spend around £15m to land Rabiot, with bonus payments taking the deal up to £18m. And as the Red Devils were potentially looking at investing around £73m to land De Jong, the club suddenly finds themselves with more cash to play with.

As a result, Ten Hag is suddenly able to look to potential forward signings, with Gakpo now emerging as a top target.

Indeed, United are reportedly preparing an opening offer for Gakpo, rated in the £35m bracket by PSV.

As ever, a deal to land the 23-year-old though will not be easy. A report on Wednesday explained the prospective hurdles United face in securing his transfer.

Now it seems United will have to play a patient game if they are to land the explosive winger. That’s after a report in the Daily Record claimed any potential deal is now on hiol until August 24.

Cody Gakpo transfer on hold for Man Utd

They claim that PSV are unwilling to consider his sale until after their Champions League fate is known. Having beaten Monaco on Tuesday night in their first qualifying round, they now face Rangers for a place in the competition proper.

And the second leg of that game is not scheduled until 8pm on Wednesday August 24.

And were PSV to progress, they would have a much stronger hand in retaining Gakpo’s services.

United, of course, can only offer Gakpo Europa League football, meaning any such transfer would prove difficult.

Cody Gakpo transfer news., Liverpool keen on Holland and PSV Eindhoven winger

That means United face a nervous wait before potentially getting a transfer green light.

The August 24 ‘deadline’ means they he has no chance of featuring in Manchester United games against Brentford on Saturday and Liverpool on August 22.

Following that, United face Southampton on August 27, before the window closes on September 1.

United given boost by the player

United, however, do have a significant factor in their favour as far as Gakpo is concerned.

That comes after the Daily Telegraph reported that the winger is ready to say yes to the transfer.

He is represented by the same agency as Ten Hag and the winger has reportedly let Ten Hag know he’s willing to make the move. Furthermore, he is well aware he can quadruple his wages by moving to Old Trafford.

In addition, they claim United’s interest in the player has been made clear to PSV head coach, Ruud van Nistelrooy. A former United player himself, he will be well aware of the appeal of signing for the Red Devils.

Gakpo, however, has vowed to stay loyal to PSV until a decision is made. That means he will be giving his all in the two legs against Rangers to ensure his side progress.

Cody Gakpo on Manchester United's radar with the club in need of attacking reinforcements

Cody Gakpo on Manchester United's radar with the club in need of attacking reinforcements

Manchester United have made initial contact with the representatives of PSV winger Cody Gakpo, who contributed to 36 goals in all competitions last season.

There is little doubting, however, that Gakpo would be an excellent addition for Ten Hag.

The 23-year-old is the reigning Eredivisie Player of the Year after a simply outstanding season in the Netherlands. Scoring 21 times in all competitions, he also weighed in with 13 assists. That ensured he had a goal contribution every 1.3 matches; an absolutely tremendous record.

One of those goals came in the KNVB Cup final, where he scored an absolute peach to sink Ajax and deny Ten Hag the domestic double.

A mean free-kick taker, Cody Gakpo is capable of playing off either flank, though is most comfortable on the left. To that end, he looks a serious upgrade on the struggling Marcus Rashford.