Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd set to finalise agreement for January signing of thrilling attacker who could give Ten Hag double guarantee

Cody Gakpo and Jurrien Timber

Manchester United are making further progress with their plans to sign in-form Dutch attacker Cody Gakpo in January, according to reports.

Gakpo has been in sensational form this season, registering 13 goals and 16 assists from 22 appearances for PSV Eindhoven so far in all competitions. He has mainly been playing as a left winger but can also operate up front.

At only 23 years of age, Gakpo would be an exciting talent to invest in. Being able to deliver in terms of both goals and assists would make him extremely useful.

He was already on the radar of a few Premier League clubs during the summer transfer window. The likes of Leeds United and Southampton tried to sign the Netherlands international. However, they missed out – and for clubs of their stature, the Gakpo ship may have now sailed.

The winger is attracting more elite clubs, with Manchester United still one of the main contenders for his signature. Of course, they have been no strangers to the Eredivisie market since Erik ten Hag took charge as manager.

Ten Hag brought Antony and Lisandro Martinez with him from Ajax over the summer. He also turned to Feyenoord to link up with Tyrell Malacia.

Next on the agenda could be Gakpo, who has also been attracting the interest of Barcelona recently.

According to SportItalia journalist Rudy Galetti, though, it is Manchester United who are ready to press ahead with their interest in Gakpo in view of the January transfer window.

Galetti has claimed that the Red Devils are already preparing for what business they will conduct during the winter market.

In that regard, they are “about to finalise an agreement” with PSV for the transfer of Gakpo, who could be a Manchester United player “soon”.

The report does not provide any details of how much the transfer is actually going to cost Manchester United, nor how long Gakpo’s contract at Old Trafford would last.

However, there seems to be growing optimism that Gakpo could make the move to Manchester United in the near future.

Man Utd aiming to attract Cody Gakpo

He would be joining a squad that has just secured their place in a play-off tie to reach the last 16 of the Europa League. Domestically, Manchester United are challenging for a top-four place to get them into next season’s Champions League.

Gakpo was involved in the Champions League qualifiers with PSV this season before they dropped into the Europa League. In that competition, he has scored three goals from five games this season.

Like Manchester United, PSV came second in their group, so have to go through the play-off route to stand a chance of reaching the round of 16.

In relatively similar situations this season, Gakpo must decide what the best option for his development would be. Obviously, Manchester United is a club of huge stature, so he should be giving serious thought to signing for them.

He would be competing with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho for a place on the left wing. Rashford has been in good form this season, so it would prompt an interesting battle.

But Manchester United are aiming to establish themselves as a destination for elite players again. Therefore, they will be hoping to convince someone like Gakpo to add to their strength in depth.

A signing like him could give them a second half of the season to look forward to.

READ MOREAgreed deal tees up Ten Hag to replace Man Utd superstar, with blockbuster move’s price set in stone