Cody Gakpo has revealed Erik ten Hag talks as Manchester United deal 'finalised'
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Manchester United target Cody Gakpo has previously revealed talks with Erik ten Hag's side as rumours continue to swirl over his future.
The PSV star has hugely impressed in Dutch football this season, and has carried his form into Europe, where he has netted three goals and provided three assists in five Europa League games.
The 23-year-old was selected in the Netherlands World Cup squad by Louis van Gaal, and has scored in each of his side's three group stage fixtures.
His latest goal arrived on Tuesday, Gakpo netting in the first half of his side's clash against Qatar.
The forward picked up the ball outside the area, before driving past several Qatar defenders and firing a left-footed shot into the bottom right corner of the net.
Gakpo was understandably delighted with the goal, which drew him level with France's Kylian Mbappe and Ecuador's Enner Valencia as the current top goalscorer at the 2022 World Cup.
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At the domestic level, he has been linked with a move to Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham, whilst a summer move to Leeds fell through and could still be resurrected in January.
But PSV also received a bid for Manchester United, as confirmed by the club's director of football, Marcel Brands revealed to ESPN NL (via Tribal Football). Italian journalist Rudy Galletti claimed earlier in November that the Red Devils are "about to finalise the agreement with PSV" to sign the player.
The forward himself has since revealed how close that move came to fruition in the summer.
Gakpo on Man Utd talks
Alongside confirming that he had discussed a move to United with Erik ten Hag in the summer, Gakpo also revealed to The Times that he decided against moves to Leeds and Southampton, who both submitted late bids for the player.
He explained: "I was close to leaving. I spoke to Erik ten Hag a few times at Manchester United.
"In the end, the deal didn't go through, which is a shame, for me and my development, and because Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world. But also for PSV, because to transfer a player to Manchester United is a good thing for the club.
"It ended about a week before the end of the transfer window, and in that week I had to decide if I would go to Leeds or Southampton.
"In the end, I stayed, but it was a stressful period."
According to reports, a bid of €50 million could be enough for clubs to seal the transfer of Gakpo. Given the player has already held talks with United, the Red Devils could have the advantage - but time will tell.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Manchester United, Cody Gakpo, Erik Ten Hag, PSV, Premier League, Transfers, Liverpool, Arsenal
