Man United find Cody Gakpo alternative as they look to re-sign £175k-a-week winger

Manchester United are reportedly targeting a move for Memphis Depay as a transfer alternative to PSV star Cody Gakpo.

United have been linked with Gakpo since the summer transfer window. PSV chief executive Marcel Brands confirmed that the club placed a bid for his services, but it did not meet the required valuation.

Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag did strengthen in wide areas, with Antony joining from Ajax.

But Gakpo remains a top target for the club - and his impressive form this term has only served to increase the interest in the 23-year-old.

As well as his nine goals and 12 assists at domestic level, he has also scored three goals in four games for Netherlands at the World Cup.

Gakpo himself has declared he will make a decision on his future when the World Cup ends, with the left-sided forward previously admitting to Dutch outlet NOS that he would be open to leaving the club in the summer.

And United could be at the front of the queue, with Italian journalist Rudy Galetti claiming a deal is close to being finalised to move to Old Trafford.

But plans can change quickly in football - and Ten Hag has reportedly lined up an alternative should the deal not go through.

Man Utd target Depay

According to Spanish outlet AS, United are said to be 'most interested' in signing Barcelona forward Depay in the January transfer window.

The Spanish giants slapped a £20 million price tag on the player in the summer window, with Sport claiming last month that Barca may even allow him to leave on a free transfer.

Should the Red Devils sign Depay, it would represent an Old Trafford reunion for the Netherlands international, who joined the club under Louis van Gaal in 2015.

But it was an unsuccessful two-year stint in England, with Depay netting only two goals in 33 league appearances.

He did go on to find success at Lyon, scoring 63 goals in a four-and-a-half year stint. He made the move to Barcelona last summer.

Whilst he got off to a strong start in Spain, injuries and mixed form saw him receive criticism.

A move away from Camp Nou may be what he needs to reignite his club career, following his increasingly impressive performances at the World Cup.

Topics: Memphis Depay, Manchester United, Premier League, La Liga, Barcelona

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.