Manchester United are 'expected' to sign highly-rated Netherlands international Cody Gakpo in a deal worth around £34 million, say reports.
The 23-year-old PSV Eindhoven forward, who scored 21 goals in 48 games for club and country last season, has been linked with a move for large parts of this summer's window.
And now, the pacey Gakpo has overtaken another target – Ajax forward Antony – as United's number one target to improve their attacking options, according to The Telegraph.
United had a £67.9 million bid for long-term target Antony rejected this week, which has seemingly led the club to look at alternative options as deadline day looms ever closer.
Gakpo will certainly be a cheaper option and Erik ten Hag is supposedly a huge admirer of the 6ft 2in player, who can play across the forward line.
In fact, The Telegraph suggest that unless Ajax 'suddenly relent' in regards to the Antony deal, then United will push ahead with a move for Gakpo, who has already told the club that he wants to join the ranks at Old Trafford this summer.
21/22 Dutch Eredivisie…
— Alex Turk (@AlexCTurk) August 19, 2022
£85m Antony:
👕 21 starts
⚽️ 8 goals
🅰️ 4 assists
£38m Cody Gakpo:
👕 22 starts
⚽️ 12 goals
🅰️ 12 assists
I know which one I’m taking. 🇳🇱🔥 pic.twitter.com/5l5vhhcoVd
So where do PSV stand in a potential deal?
With their crucial Champions League play-off against Rangers happening on Wednesday the 24th – a game that could earn the club £40million – it seems the Eredivisie club do not want to announce a deal before that day.
They are, however, willing to sell Gakpo, even if they reach the UCL group stages.
Having signed Casemiro I am hearing that Manchester United are ready to go all-out for Cody Gakpo. Bid is imminent for the PSV Eindhoven forward and more on @TeleFootball
— Jason Burt (@JBurtTelegraph) August 19, 2022
Eindhoven reportedly want around £38.2million for the player but that fee is not expected to cause a problem.
Last week, PSV manager Ruud van Nistelrooy did not rule out the possibility of Gakpo leaving this summer after it emerged that Erik ten Hag had already made contact with the forward.
"He keeps as far as possible away from that which causes noise in order to deliver a top performance," the former Manchester United forward said.
"Cody is 23 years old and that is not always possible at that age, but for me he is someone who is always busy with his profession.
"They really know him. As a trainer I try to help him with everything he needs, but he has to do it himself in the end."
Cody Gakpo good with both feet. Can play RW & LW pic.twitter.com/xiORu7cO6V
— United Galactico 🏴 (@galactico_mufc) August 19, 2022
Van Nistelrooy added: "We will only talk about it when there is something concrete. We are working on his development as a player and how he can contribute to PSV."
Thoughts on a potential deal to sign Gakpo?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy/Instagram - codymathesgakpo
Topics: Manchester United, Transfers, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Premier League, PSV
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