Man Utd ‘leading party’ for Ten Hag favourite as January transfer revelation emerges to set up £40m signing
Manchester United target Cody Gakpo could be cleared to leave PSV Eindhoven during the January transfer window, a report has revealed.
Gakpo is one of the main attackers Man Utd have been keeping tabs on while they work out what happens with Cristiano Ronaldo. After his controversial interview with Piers Morgan, it seems the current number seven is destined to leave Old Trafford behind.
Man Utd will have to find a way to replace the forward, which will not be easy. However, one idea they have is to make a bid for PSV star Gakpo.
The Netherlands international has been on their radar ever since Erik ten Hag took charge. In the summer, Gakpo could have come to the Premier League with Leeds, but ended up staying in his native country.
Now, bigger things could be on the horizon for the 23-year-old. A move to Man Utd has been widely speculated, although there has been competition from elsewhere.
According to 90min, though, Man Utd are still considered the “leading party” in the race to sign Gakpo.
What’s more, it has emerged that PSV might be willing to listen to offers for him in January, despite preferring to keep him for the rest of the season.
Indeed, if a suitor puts an offer of more than £40million on the table, the Eredivisie side might accept.
Another advantage Man Utd might have, the report reminds, is that Gakpo shares the same representatives as Ten Hag.
That said, United will have to fend off the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, all of whom have watched Gakpo this season.
Further afield, there is interest from Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. The report does not refer to Liverpool, who have also become a threat in the transfer battle according to some other sources.
January deal for Cody Gakpo would add more Man Utd impetus
But United seem to be in front and will hope that remains the case by the end of the World Cup, when Gakpo could be on the move.
And aware that they are likely going to have to try and move Ronaldo on, the Red Devils will no doubt be keeping a close eye on anything that happens with Gakpo.
This season, he has largely played as a left winger, although he can operate centrally as well. His form has been sensational; Gakpo has scored 13 goals and added 17 assists from 24 games in 2022-23.
Soon, it could be time for him to take the next step of his career – and his arrival at Man Utd in January would be a timely boost for Ten Hag.
After already strengthening one wing with a signing from the Eredivisie by bringing Antony with him from Ajax over the summer, Ten Hag could soon reinforce the opposite flank to add more danger to the Man Utd attack.
